From the 18th century until the early 19th century, European influence was a significant force in various aspects of the Ottoman Empire, Egypt, and 'Iran. Although the reforms, primarily coined by Gelvin as “defensive development,” were initially intended to centralize government control and strengthen the military, the actual effects were much broader. Based on different pre-existing conditions and unique approaches to governance, this modernization process has affected each region differently. This essay will explore the ways in which European influence shaped each territory, the major areas of civilization, politics, and culture that underwent reform, and the degree to which that influence was significant or, in the case of Iran, insignificant. The European influence was the most significant. prominent in Egypt, starting with the dynasty of Muhammad Ali who initiated the reforms that would lay the foundations for future rulers. Ali sought to achieve a degree of autonomy from the Ottoman Empire and to expand Egypt's rule, both of which required military reform. To finance his efforts, he had to expand Egypt's economy. Egyptian exports thrived on cotton, which Ali attempted to consolidate into a government monopoly. Egypt's focus on cotton production made it an export-rich territory and dependent on European manufacturing imports from the West. A robust transportation system was needed to facilitate its exports. 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 rule. How to go...... middle of the map ......r the region; however, they were also reluctant to simply let it slip into the hands of others. The effect was a further weakening of central government in the region, which, as noted earlier, increased the power and influence of the regional ulema powers. Ulema control reached its peak during the tobacco protest of 1891, when religious leaders managed to successfully organize popular dissatisfaction and demonstrations against Tehran's rulers. Ultimately, European influence played a vital role in the formation of the Ottoman Empire and Egypt during the 18th and early 19th centuries. Its influence has been most significant through governmental, economic, and military influence, but its effects have reverberated throughout society. Western influence has been much less significant in Iran, mainly due to the fragmented nature of governance in the region.