The First and Second Balkan Wars occurred from 1912-1913 as Bulgaria, Greece, Montenegro and Serbia formed the Balkan League to drive the Ottoman Empire from Europe. In the First Balkan War, the Balkan League was successful in defeating the Ottomans. However, in 1913 the Second Balkan War broke out as the members of the League fought over the division of the conquered territory, particularly Macedonia. Bulgaria lost this war, weakening Ottoman control but also increasing tensions between the Balkan states that would contribute to conflict leading up to World War I.

1. Balkan Wars, 1912-1913

2. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.