Balkan Wars, 1912-1913

What were the First and Second Balkan Wars?• By the early 20th century, Ottoman Empire was considered “sick man

of Europe”.• Bulgaria, Greece, Montenegro and Serbia had achieved independence

from the Ottoman Empire, but large elements of their ethnic populations remained under Ottoman rule.• In 1912, these countries formed the Balkan League to drive the

Ottomans from Europe.• In 1913 the members of the league had a war over the division of the

conquered territory, especially Macedonia. Bulgaria lost.• Britain and Germany brokered a peace treaty to end the conflict.

What were the effects of the Balkan Wars?1. Serbia became the most powerful

state in the Balkans and felt confident to challenge Austria-Hungary.

2. Germany saw British co-operation as weakness and assumed in the a future crisis they would also cooperate.

What was the connection to ANIMA?Awful Governments• Ottoman’s were repressive and anti-Christian• Balkan states were repressive and anti-Muslim and anti-Semitic.• Balkan States could be united against a common foe (Turks) but were deeply

divided against each other too.Nationalism• Slavic nationalism was very important motivating force for the First and

Second Balkan Wars.Imperialism• Background of Hapsburg-Ottoman conflict over the Balkans. • Austrian economic dominance of the Balkans and control of Bosnia caused

deep resentment to Serbia.• The failure of the Ottoman’s to govern the Balkans led to resentment,

rebellions and wars.• The failure of European powers to intervene earlier forced Balkan League to

take matters into their own hands in 1912.Alliances• Bulgaria allied with the Austrians against Serbia and Montenegro after feeling

Western powers did nothing to help it in 1913.