Final answer:
The Ottoman Empire's control from 1451 to 1798 saw expansion and subsequent decline, with a significant shift after the 1571 Battle of Lepanto. The empire lost Hungary and Transylvania to Austria and faced continuous challenges that led to the independence movements of Greece, Egypt, and Arabia.
Step-by-step explanation:
Changes in the Ottoman Empire (1451-1798)
During the period from 1451 to 1798, the land controlled by the Ottoman Empire underwent many changes, reaching the peak of its expansion and then beginning a slow process of decline. At the height of the empire, it included territories spanning from the Balkans across the Middle East to North Africa. The pivotal year of 1571 marked a turning point when the empire's naval power was significantly reduced at the Battle of Lepanto, indicating a shift in Mediterranean dominance. The seventeenth century saw further losses, including Hungary and Transylvania to Austria. By the eighteenth century, territorial losses continued as the empire struggled to keep up with Europe's technological and military advances.
The Ottoman Empire encountered numerous challenges, including revolts from various ethnic groups and external pressure from rising European powers eager to claim pieces of its domain. The Russians secured victories over the Ottomans and expanded their influence in the Black Sea region and the Balkans, while the British and French shored up the empire in an effort to stave off Russian dominance in Mediterranean trade. Furthermore, areas such as Greece, Egypt, and Arabia began movements for independence, with Greece succeeding in 1829. The weakening of the empire contributed to the broader instability in the region, setting the stage for future conflicts.