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The Balkan Powder Keg. The Balkan Problem. Turkey (Ottoman Empire) ruled most of the Balkans at the start of this century. This part of Europe was called “ the sick man of Europe” because it was so weak.
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The Balkan Problem • Turkey (Ottoman Empire) ruled most of the Balkans at the start of this century. • This part of Europe was called “the sick man of Europe” because it was so weak. • All the major surrounding power wanted to increase their influence in the area were looking for an opportunity to take the Balkans.
Why did they want it? • Russia - ports on the Mediterranean. • Austria-Hungary – ports on the Mediterranean and crush the rebellious Slavs. • Germany – A Berlin to Baghdad Railway • Italy – Land on the other side of Adriatic.
The chance they were looking for • In 1908, a group called the “young Turks” caused chaos everywhere in Turkey. • Austria- Hungary takes advantage. They seized the provinces of Bosnia and Herzegovina. • Most of the people were Serbs and did not want to be a part of Austria-Hungary. They wanted to be part of Serbia. Now Serbia was an enemy of Austria - Hungary.
The Balkan Wars • Italy attacked Turkey in 1911, beating them easily. Turkey was now very week. • The other Balkan countries (Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Montenegro) joined together in 1912 to form the “Balkan League”. • The Balkan League attacked Turkey and won. They were given all the land that Turkey owned in the Balkans.
The Second Balkan War • King Ferdinand (Bulgaria) wanted more land. • 1913 Ferdinand attacks Serbia and Greece. This was a disaster for Bulgaria. They ended up being attacked from 4 sides. (they lost) • Serbia came out the best after both Balkan wars.
Set to Explode • After all of this the Austrian Serbs gained an even stronger desire to join Serbia. • The Balkans were now seething with hatred, resentment and unrest.