Causes of Second Balkan War

• With further conflict on the horizon Tsar Nicholas II of Russia attempted to organise negotiations between the Balkan States and offered his services as an arbitrator but this attempt was runed by Bulgaria's attack on Serbia on 28th June 1913.
• This Russian attempt to gain peace was ruined when Bulgaria launched a surprise attack on Serbia on the 28th June 1913
• Bulgaria didn’t declare war on Serbia in the hope of making large advances into Macedonia before the Great Powers could intervene
• In July 1913, the German army was increased to its largest size in its history when the Reichstag agreed to a further 130,000 troops after the SBW broke out even after the Treaty of London had been signed.
• Bulgarians attacked Serbia on 28th June 1913. They called it a pre-emptive strike.
• FBW vs SBW

  • The military strength of independent Balkan states had increased and had threatened and defeated the Ottoman Empire when working together as the Balkan League
• The Bulgarians felt that they had borne the largest share of fighting and wanted more of Macedonia, as was the ambition of Serbia. Both states were determined to win back what they felt they deserved.