Final answer:
The 'men of the sword' were the Janissaries, an elite military group in the Ottoman Empire recruited through the devshirme system. They were loyal to the Sultan, served as his personal guard, and held power until their disbandment in 1826 after a failed mutiny.
Step-by-step explanation:
Who Were the 'Men of the Sword' in the Ottoman Government?
The "men of the sword" referred to the Janissaries, which was the elite military group in the Ottoman Empire. These men were a crucial part of the Ottoman military structure and were known for their fierce loyalty to the Sultan. Recruited through the devshirme system, Christian boys were taken, usually between the ages of eight and ten, from their homes in the Balkans and other European territories, converted to Islam, and given extensive training. Many of these boys rose to high-ranking positions in the Ottoman government, such as Grand Vizier, due to their intense loyalty and lack of family ties.
The Janissaries played a vital military role and acted as a personal guard for the Sultan, accompanying him into battle and ensuring his safety. They were crucial in significant Ottoman military victories and were deeply involved in state functions, serving to sideline the traditional nobility. This system allowed the Sultans to command a stable and reliable force, free from the entanglements of familial loyalties that might conflict with their dedication to the state.
In 1826, the Janissaries were disbanded following a failed mutiny against the Sultan's decision to create a modern military. Their power had grown so much that they had become a threat to the central authority of the Sultan. This event marked a significant transformation in the Ottoman military and administrative systems.