<P> The CUP could not possibly accept such proposals . They felt betrayed by what they considered was Europe's bias during the Balkan Wars, and therefore they had no faith in Great Power declarations regarding the Empire's independence and integrity; the termination of European financial control and administrative supervision was one of the principal aims of CUP's policies . Sir Louis Mallet, Ambassador, seemed totally oblivious to that . The response was not based on an ignorance . Though these imperial powers had experienced relatively few major conflicts between them over the previous hundred years, an underlying rivalry, otherwise known as "the Great Game", had exacerbated the situation to such an extent that resolution was sought . Anglo - Russian Convention of 1907 brought shaky British - Russian relations to the forefront by solidifying boundaries that identified their respective control in Persia, Afghanistan . Overall, the Convention represented a carefully calculated move on each power's part in which they chose to value a powerful alliance over potential sole control over various parts of Central Asia . Ottoman Empire lied on the crossroads to Central Asia . The Convention served as the catalyst for creating a "Triple Entente", which was the basis of the alliance of countries opposing the Central Powers . Ottoman Empire's path in Ottoman entry into World War I was set with that agreement, which was part of the Great Game . </P> <P> One way to challenge and undermine the army's position was by attacking Germany in the press and supporting friendship with Germany's rival, Great Britain . But neither Britain nor France responded to CUP's advance of friendship . In fact France resented the government's (Porte) desire to acquire financial autonomy . </P> <P> In early 1914 the Ottoman Government was concerned with three main goals . The first was improving relations with Bulgaria; the second was to encourage support from the Germans, and the third was to settle negotiations with Europe about the Armenian reform . </P> <P> With regard to the first, the Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria showed sympathy to one another because they suffered as a result of the territories lost with the Balkan Wars (1912--1913). They also had bitter relations with Greece . It was natural and beneficial for them to work for the development of policies that enabled them to gain better positions in the region . </P>

What event signaled the defeat of the central powers