The Armenian Massacres, 1894-1896

Throughout these 35 reprinted articles, which were written by American diplomats, missionaries, journalists, religious and public figures and scientists, the plight of the Armenian people unfolds. Not only do readers learn of the Armenian struggle for equality and ultimately, independence from the Ottoman Empire, but they also discover rich evidence about the Armenians themselves, their church, instabilities within the empire and charitable efforts spearheaded by American Christian missionaries. The language and tone of these articles reflect US and European attitudes of the time, which were influenced by the perception of the Empire's Sultan Abdul Hammid II as the ultimate anti-Christian, pan-Islamic Ottoman ruler. But the overall humanitarian impulses of these writers are evident and we see the beginnings of an Armenian-US relationship that would strengthen over the course of the 20th century.