Final answer:
The division of Armenia between the Safavid Empire and the Ottoman Empire led to significant social and political changes, including the genocide during World War I and long-lasting economic shifts after Armenia's transition from a centrally planned economy to a market economy post-independence in 1991.
Step-by-step explanation:
Impact of Armenia's Division on Society and Politics
The division of Armenia had profound social and political impacts on the region. During the Peace of Amasya in 1555, Armenia and Georgia were carved up between the Safavid Empire (Iran) and the Ottoman Empire. This division secured Azerbaijan for Iran but resulted in the Ottoman Empire gaining control over western Armenia, eventually leading to the historical conflicts and the erasure of Armenia's broader territorial claims.
The tragic events of World War I exacerbated the existing societal fractures, where as many as a million Armenians were systematically killed in what is widely recognized as a genocide, though Turkey continues to dispute this characterization. Armenia's demographic composition, religious affiliations, and language were significantly affected, as the Armenian Apostolic Church remains a central institution to the nation's identity.
Politically, Armenia's division weakened its sovereignty and made the country susceptible to external influences and control. It also suffered economically, as it transitioned from a centrally planned economy during the Soviet era to a market economy after obtaining independence in 1991, with significant changes in its manufacturing sector. The social fabric was torn apart due to the mass killings and forced expulsions, leading to long-lasting effects on the Armenian diaspora communities around the world.