From the 18th century to the early 19th century, European influence was a significant force in various aspects of the Ottoman Empire, Egypt and Iran. Although the reforms, characterized primarily by Gelvin as “defensive developmentalism,” were initially aimed at centralizing government control and strengthening the military, the actual effects were much broader. Based on varying pre-existing conditions and unique approaches to governance, this modernization process has affected each region differently. This essay will explore how European influence shaped each territory, the major areas of civilization, politics and culture that saw reform, and the degree to which this influence was significant, or in the case of Iran , insignificant. important in Egypt, starting with the dynasty of Muhammad Ali which initiated the reforms that would lay the foundation for future leaders. Ali sought to achieve a degree of autonomy from the Ottoman Empire and to expand the rule of Egypt, both of which required military reform. In order to finance his efforts, he had to develop the Egyptian economy. Egyptian exports thrived on cotton, which Ali attempted to consolidate into a government monopoly. Egypt's emphasis on cotton production made it a heavily exporting territory dependent on imports of European manufactured goods from the West. In order to facilitate its exports, a robust transportation system was necessary. Egypt developed a railway from Cairo to Alexandria as well as ports along the Mediterranean coast due to its dependence on the European market. The structure of Egyptian politics and state administration was also redefined during Ali's reign. As we go...... middle of paper ......r the region; however, they were also reluctant to simply let it slip into the hands of others. This resulted in a further weakening of the central government in the region, which, as noted earlier, increased the power and influence of the regional ulama powers. The ulema's control reached its peak during the anti-tobacco protest of 1891, when religious leaders succeeded in organizing popular discontent and demonstrations against the rulers of Tehran. Ultimately, European influence played a fundamental role in the formation of the Ottoman Empire and Egypt in the 18th and early 19th centuries. Its influence was most significant through governmental, economic, and military influence, but its effects reverberated throughout society. Western influence was much less significant in Iran, mainly due to the fragmented nature of government in the region..