Russo–Austria-Hungry rivalry in the Balkans

• Due to the decline of the Ottoman Empire many Balkan states had become independent
• The Austria-Hungarian aim was to maintain friendly relations with the Balkans because they had recently gained independence and could be seen as an inspiration to the many ethnicities living under Austro-Hungarian rule
• The Russian aim was to expand their political influence, they hoped to set up the newly independent states as client states

  ▪ Client states were smaller countries given economic, political and often military assistance in return for loyalty
• These different aims led to the Russo-Turkish War in 1878
• A Russian victory led to the harsh San Stefano treaty being imposed on the Turks ▪ This treaty would have significantly extended Russian influence in the Balkans ▪ This was unacceptable to the other powers, Austria-Hungary in particular: an international congress was arranged in Berlin to limit Russia’s gain
• The Congress of Berlin, June 1878

  ▪ This averted conflict between Russia and Austria-Hungary but failed to provide a long-term solution
• Russia was most angered by the Treaty of Berlin which allowed Austria-Hungary to occupy Bosnia-Hertzevagina
• Bulgaria had been Russia’s most important client state following the Treaty of Berlin, but in 1885 the Bulgarians showed their resentment towards Bulgaria’s status as a Russian satellite state
• Prince Alexander of Bulgaria forced Russian officials to leave however was then forced to abdicate by Tsar Alexander III
• Other countries now saw Bulgaria as a strong buffer against further Russia expansion, so Russia looked for another Balkan state to foster good relations with so that its influence didn’t die completely - This was Serbia, which was officially under Austria-Hungarian ‘Protection’