Final answer:
The decline of the Ottoman Empire was influenced by several factors: financial issues, external conflicts, the end of Ottoman naval dominance, nationalism, and internal political struggles. Military and bureaucratic inefficiencies, along with cultural stagnation and failure to keep pace with European technological advances, played roles too. However, reforms in the late stages were attempted to modernize and strengthen the empire.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ottoman Empire Decline
The Ottoman Golden Age did not directly hurt the empire in the long run; instead, the decline after this period can be attributed to a range of factors. Importantly, financial difficulties and increasing debt, as well as the cost of constant warfare, especially on its eastern front against the Safavids, played significant roles in weakening the empire. The navy's defeat at Lepanto ended Ottoman naval supremacy in the eastern Mediterranean, leading to a cessation of naval rivalry with European powers in the oceans. Additionally, the rise of nationalism led to revolts and loss of territory, and factional politics within the Empire created turmoil among its top ministers.
Over time, military corruption, governmental decentralization, and failures in commercial and agricultural sectors also contributed. Cultural and religious stagnation was observed, and the military did not modernize as quickly as needed. Enlightenment ideas from Europe and evolving military technology outpaced the once-advanced Ottoman forces. Furthermore, external threats spurred the empire to enact reforms in an effort to strengthen its control over core territories, including bringing in European military advisers for training and sending Ottoman scientists to Europe to learn about engineering, history, and military modernization.