What prevented Muhammad Ali from overthrowing the Ottoman Empire? AP World History Chapter 26 What prevented Muhammad Ali from overthrowing the Ottoman Empire? a. Lack of a navy b. His defeat by the Ottomans at Omdurman c. Completion of the Suez Canal d. Opposition of European powers e. His failure to develop a modern army Answer: D Learn More : Share this Share on FacebookTweet on TwitterPlus on Google+