Answer:
B. Britain and smaller countries
Explanation:
Like mentioned in the post above, Britain wanted to influence and gain more territories and the weakening Ottoman empire seemed like the best option. As Russia was expanding, they wanted full access into the Mediterranean Sea and the Ottomans were a good hit. Britain and France, who were afraid of Russian expansion and Russian aggression, Allied with the Ottoman Empire against the Russians (As well as the Sardinians). This would be later known as the Crimean War. However, with this alliance, this meant Britain could take advantage of the Ottomans debt. They demanded for control of Cyprus and the French went after Algiers and Tunis (Algeria and Tunisia). Cyprus would officially still be part of the Ottomans but it would be administered and occupied by the British. While Britain played both sides of the conflict, they would favor smaller states in the Ottoman empire against the sultan as they offered more. Its like America having a hold in China in cities like Shanghai, Tianjin, and Nanking except its Britain and the Turks. Also during the 20th century, oil was found in the Middle east and the Brits being Brits wanted all that oil. Britain funded many rebellions in the ottomans empire and attempted to weaken the government for all that oil. Oh god, I'm getting off track, anyways. Britain favored smaller states against the ottoman Sultan as they offered more the Britain in benefits.
