Why did Armenian leaders seek European support for reforms in 1914?

In 1914, Armenian leaders sought European support for reforms primarily as a defensive measure to secure protection and a degree of autonomy within the Ottoman Empire.1

Following the Ottoman Empire's humiliating defeat in the First Balkan War (1912–1913), which resulted in the loss of nearly all its remaining European territories, the Armenian population faced increased hostility and insecurity. As Muslim refugees fled eastward into Anatolia, tensions over land and resources intensified, leaving Armenian villagers and townspeople vulnerable to violence and systemic abuse, often with little recourse in local courts.12

Fearful of their precarious position, Armenian leaders appealed to European powers to intervene and force the Young Turk government to implement reforms and guarantee protections in the Armenian provinces. While these efforts were intended to ensure the safety and rights of the Armenian community, the Young Turk leadership viewed the resulting European-imposed reform plan—which required supervision by inspectors in the east—as evidence of collusion between Armenians and foreign powers to undermine Ottoman sovereignty.1