Balkan Wars Overview

Overview

This lecture covers the origins, key events, and consequences of the Balkan Wars of the early 20th century, focusing on territorial changes and great power involvement.

Background to the Balkan Wars

• The Balkan Peninsula had been under Ottoman control but saw rising nationalist movements in the 19th century.
• Several territories became independent or gained autonomy; tensions rose due to diverse identities, cultures, and religions.
• Major uprisings included the Bosnian revolt (1875) and the Turkish-Serbian War.
• Russian involvement in the Russo-Turkish War (1877–78) led to Ottoman losses and the Treaty of San Stefano.
• The Congress of Berlin (1878) confirmed independence for Balkan states but left many dissatisfied with territorial allocations.

Prelude to War

• The Ottoman Empire’s decline was marked by military defeats and internal crises.
• Italy’s victory over the Ottomans further exposed Ottoman weakness.
• Nationalist tensions and uprisings increased, setting the stage for major conflict.
• The Balkan League (Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro, Greece) formed with the goal of seizing remaining Ottoman territories in Europe.

The First Balkan War (1912–1913)

• Montenegro declared war on the Ottoman Empire, triggering allied Balkan intervention.
• The Balkan League was supported by Russia and Italy, while the Ottomans had Austro-Hungarian and German backing.
• Allied forces advanced rapidly, exposing the weakness of the Ottoman military.
• Factors in Ottoman defeat included political infighting, poor logistics, and military mismanagement.
• The war ended with the Treaty of London (May 30, 1913), ceding most Ottoman European territories to the Balkan states, except for Albania.

The Second Balkan War (1913)

• Disputes arose over dividing the conquered territories, especially Macedonia.
• Bulgaria, dissatisfied, attacked Serbia and Greece, starting the Second Balkan War.
• Romania and the Ottoman Empire joined against Bulgaria, seeking territorial gains.
• Bulgaria suffered major territorial losses and was forced to cease hostilities.

Aftermath and Consequences

• The Treaty of Bucharest (August 10, 1913) redistributed territories, leaving Bulgaria weakened.
• The Treaty of Constantinople (September 29, 1913) further reduced Bulgarian holdings.
• Dissatisfaction with the treaties and ongoing resentment fueled instability.
• The unresolved tensions contributed to the outbreak of World War I.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Balkan League — Alliance of Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro, and Greece against the Ottoman Empire.
• Russo-Turkish War — Conflict (1877–78) where Russia intervened against Ottoman rule in the Balkans.
• Treaty of London (1913) — Ended the First Balkan War, dividing most Ottoman European territory among the Balkan states.
• Second Balkan War — Conflict ignited by disputes within the Balkan League, mainly involving Bulgaria against former allies.
• Treaty of Bucharest (1913) — Ended the Second Balkan War, significantly reducing Bulgaria's territory.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Review maps of pre- and post-war Balkan borders.
• Study the causes of World War I, focusing on Balkan instability.
• Prepare notes on each Balkan state’s ambitions and alliances.