ABSTRACT
The Ottomans could not afford the latest weapons and often could not even pay their own soldiers. Intellectually, the Ottomans were at a loss to adjust to new military techniques. Other Mediterranean powers were making the same mistake, building old weapons of war while the Atlantic nations were pioneering new ones. Naval power was in fact transferring to sailing ships. The Ottoman government collected great amounts in customs dues and taxes. The transit trade was an important part of Ottoman personal and governmental wealth. It could not withstand the Portuguese discovery of an all-water route to Asia. While the Middle Eastern transit trade did not quickly decline after the Portuguese discoveries, it did not increase as it always had. Revolt and civil disorder were not simply a matter of rebels taking advantage of a weak government. A war with Austria, called the 'Long War', caused more hardship.
