What lead up to the Massacres?

A major factor that led to the Armenian outcry was the harsh and cruel treatment they received under Abdul.

➡ Harsh treatment of the Armenians included:

▶️Organization in conquered communities called millets

▶️No legal rights

▶️Rape and theft of homes

▶️No right to bear arms

▶️Boy collection called devshirme, Ottoman officials would take children from their families, convert them to Islam, and put them to work in military and civil service

▶️Unfair taxes like poll tax and hospitality tax

➡️Kishlak which allowed Kurds and Turks to quarter themselves, their families, and cattle in Armenian homes during the winter

▶️Weren't allowed to ride horses when a Muslim was passing by

▶️At risk of having their tongues cut out for speaking Armenian

Soon Armenian activism grew. Political parties such as the Armenakan Party, Hunchak Party, and the Dashnaktsutiun Party formed. They gave the Armenians a voice against their oppressors. They wanted basic human rights such as...

▶️ Fair taxation

▶️ Guarantees of freedom of conscience

▶️The right of public meetings

▶️Equality before the law

▶️ Protection of life

▶️ Property and honor (also the protection of women)

▶️An end to political arrests and brutal torture that often followed the arrests

▶️ And the right to bare arms

French newspaper describing the massacres