Explain how the events in the Balkans in the 1908_1914 lead to (a) war among the Balkans state. (b) the outbreak of the first world war

Answer 1

The events in the Balkans between 1908 and 1914 played a significant role in both the outbreak of war among the Balkan states and the subsequent eruption of the First World War. These events can be summarized as follows:

(a) War among the Balkans states:
1. Annexation of Bosnia-Herzegovina: In 1908, Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia-Herzegovina, which had previously been under the administration of the Ottoman Empire. This move was strongly opposed by Serbia, as it had been eyeing the annexed territory for its own expansion, aiming to unite all South Slavic people under its rule.

2. Balkan wars: In the aftermath of the annexation, a series of conflicts erupted in the Balkans. In 1912, Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, and Greece formed the Balkan League to liberate regions with large populations of ethnic Slavs from Ottoman rule. They successfully drove the Ottomans out from most of the region, except for Albania and certain territories.

3. Division of the spoils: A division of territories among the victors led to territorial disputes and increasing tensions within the Balkan League. The second Balkan War broke out in 1913 when Bulgaria, dissatisfied with its share, attacked its former allies Serbia and Greece. This conflict resulted in Bulgaria's territorial losses, leaving unresolved tensions and rivalries among the Balkan states.

(b) Outbreak of the First World War:
1. Austria-Hungary's response: In June 1914, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, by a Bosnian Serb nationalist in Sarajevo, ignited a crisis. Austria-Hungary held Serbia responsible for the assassination and issued an ultimatum with strict demands. When Serbia failed to meet all requirements, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia in July 1914.

2. Creation of alliances: The alliances formed in the Balkan Wars significantly impacted the outbreak of the First World War. Serbia, as the target of Austrian aggression, sought assistance from its ally Russia, leading to the formation of the Serbia-Russia alliance. Austria-Hungary had the support of Germany, while Russia had an alliance with France, and soon, these alliances snowballed into larger conflict with European powers choosing sides.

3. The domino effect: The war between Austria-Hungary and Serbia rapidly escalated to a full-scale war in Europe. As a result of the intricate system of alliances, when Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, a chain reaction was triggered. Russia, France, and Britain joined forces against Austria-Hungary and Germany, leading to a broader conflict that eventually involved multiple nations, leading to the First World War.

In summary, the Balkan events from 1908 to 1914 created territorial disputes, rivalries, and tensions among the Balkan states, which ultimately led to war between them. These conflicts, coupled with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, sparked a chain reaction among the existing alliances, causing the outbreak of the First World War.