The conquest of Constantinople itself had minimal influence in the expansion of the Ottoman Empire, which already completely surrounded the city. However, it meant that the soldiers used to subdue the Byzantines could be re-purposed for other areas of the empire. The real benefits to the Ottomans that came from the conquest of Constantinople were the riches it provided and the fact that its fall struck a strong chord with Europeans who became much more afraid of the Ottomans. It also served as a more useful imperial capital than Bursa since it was closer to the fighting in Southeastern Europe and much larger.