The Party of Union and Progress at the beginning of National Struggle (October 1918-May 1919)

World War I caused many important changes for Ottoman Empire in many aspects. This long war brought collapse on the social and economic life. It had negative effects on the strong position of The Party of Union and Progress which had ruled the destiny of the country especially on political aspects for the last 10 years. The leader staff of The Party of Union and Progress who realised that the war would end against The Ottoman Empire, had to think about the future of The Party after war. Because The Unionists knew that The Government of The Party of Union and Progress was responsible for participating of Ottoman Empire in the war and applications during the war so they would be called for the account of the past. This matter was the most important issue that kept place in the minds of Rulers of The Party of Union and Progress in November, 1918. What would happen to the strong organization that they had after the truce, what would be the form of The Party of Union and Progress which was the most important component of the home politics of the Ottoman Empire, would the Unionism end or continue adapting itself to the new conditions? The Unionists discussed this matter at their last extraordinary congress on the 01-04 of November, 1918. The Party blamed itself for the failure at the war and abolished itself with this last congress that they held. Additionally the leaders fled the country and it was seen as if The Party went out of the scene of history. But it wasn?t as it seemed. The Party was still the most common and the only organized activity. Almost all the staff in civilian or military bureaucracy was either the member or the sympathizer of The Party. In the occupation days that started after the signing of the truce, The Party resisted in order to exist against the adversary powers and also by instinct of defending the country. Consequently, this organisation has played the most important role to start the National Struggle Movement.