The Young Turks were a political reform movement in the early 20th century, primarily active in the Ottoman Empire. They aimed to modernize the empire and promote a constitutional government, advocating for civil rights and national unity. The movement gained significant influence after the 1908 revolution, which restored the constitution and established a parliamentary system. The Young Turks were composed of various groups, including military officers and intellectuals, who sought to address the empire's decline. Key figures included Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who later became the founder of modern Turkey. Their policies significantly shaped the region's political landscape during and after World War I.