Balkan Crisis

• Why was Austria-Hungary interested in the Balkans?

  It didn't want Serbia to grow in power as that would encourage the Serbs in its empire to revolt and join with Serbia. It also wanted to gain more land with a coastline so ports could be built on the Adriatic Sea.
• Why was Russia interested in the Balkans?

  They saw themselves as protecters of the Serbs, because they shared similar Slavic culture and language. They also wanted control over the Dardanelles, giving them access to the Mediterranean.
• Why was Germany interested in the Balkans?

  Germany wanted to build up economic and industrial strength, so planned on building a railway through the Balkans from Baghdad to Berlin, to transport oil to Germany.
• Bosnian Crisis:

  • 1908- Young Turks revolution in Turkey, restoring democracy
  • Austria invaded whilst Turkey was in chaos and annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina, making them part of their empire. supported by Germany
  • Serbia claimed these provinces belonged to Serbia, and protested, supported by Russia
  • Bulgarian ruler claimed independence from Turkey as well
• Who were the members of the Balkan League?

  Bulgaria, Serbia, Greece, and Montenegro.
• First Balkan War:

  • October 1912 - May 1913
  • Ended in 6 months
  • Aimed to force Turkey out of Europe
  • Turkey surrendered after 50 days of fighting
  • Turkey gave up all land in Europe, it was shared out between the 4 Balkan League nations
• Second Balkan War:

  • June 1913 - August 1913
  • Bulgaria attacked Serbia and Greece to gain more land
  • Serbia, Greece and Romania invaded Bulgaria, Turkey involved themselves too
  • Bulgaria asked for armistice and had to give up land, mostly to Serbia and Turkey
• Results of the Balkan Wars:

  • Serbia doubled in sized
  • the Serbs in Bosnia-Herzegovina wanted to join Serbia
  • A-H was determined to control Serbia
  • Bulgaria wanted revenge on Serbia