Tensions began to escalate in Turkey in the 1880s and especially the 1890s, leading to a series of international crises that the British tried to help resolve by putting pressure on the Turkish government.

Britain had long been a major friend of the Turkish government, helping it resist heavy expansionist pressure from Russia.

Instead, Constantinople turned increasingly to Germany for political, financial and commercial support, leading eventually to its entrance into the First World War as a German ally.

They were unable to agree on suitable sanctions or punishment; historians believe Turkey would have made concessions if threatened with an actual war.

The crisis reached a violent peak in 1896, after bombings in Constantinople led to massive attacks on Armenians living in the city, with thousands murdered.

[2][3][4] British policy around 1910 stood in opposition to Russian control of Armenia, and tried to push the Ottoman Empire into improving its treatment of Armenians.

[6] As news of the Armenian Genocide emerged, London worked to demonstrate that its imperial responsibilities included the enforcement of human rights.