Section 3

• What were the causes of the First Balkan War?

  Nationalism and militarism following the Bosnian Crisis
• How did the annexation of Bosnia affect Serbia?

  It denied Serbia access to an Adriatic port and fueled pan-Slavism
• What was the impact of the Italian attack on Tripoli on the Balkan States?

  It diverted Ottoman forces to North Africa, leaving the Balkans unprotected
• Who was instrumental in forming the Balkan League?

  Nicholas Hartwig, the Russian Ambassador to Serbia
• What was the main goal of the Balkan League?

  To drive the Ottoman Empire out of the Balkans
• What were the differing aims of Bulgaria and Serbia regarding Macedonia?

  • Bulgaria wanted an independent Macedonia for protection
  • Serbia favored dividing Macedonia and aimed to gain Albania
• When did Bulgaria declare war on the Ottoman Empire?

  On 7th September 1912
• What was the outcome of the First Balkan War for the Ottoman Empire?

  The Balkan League forced the Ottoman Empire back to Constantinople
• What was signed on 3rd December 1912?

  An armistice between Turkey, Serbia, and Bulgaria
• What were the consequences of the Balkan League's success for Austria-Hungary?

  Austria-Hungary feared the emergence of a multi-national Yugoslav Empire
• What were the main terms of the Treaty of London, signed on 30th May 1913?

  • Greece received Crete and Southern Macedonia
  • Bulgaria kept Thrace
  • Serbia received Central and Northern Macedonia
  • Albania became an independent state
• Why was Serbia dissatisfied with the Treaty of London?

  Serbia was landlocked due to Albania's independence and wanted a greater share of Macedonia
• What led to the Second Balkan War?

  Bulgaria launched a surprise attack on Serbia on 28th June 1913
• What was the outcome of the Treaty of Bucharest?

  Bulgaria lost most of its recent territorial gains
• What did the Treaty of Constantinople require from Bulgaria?

  Bulgaria had to return Adrianople to Turkey
• How did the Balkan Wars affect Serbia's power in the region?

  Serbia became a significant power, increasing its territory by 80%
• Why was Bulgaria frustrated after the Second Balkan War?

  Bulgaria was angry at the lack of Russian support and its territorial losses
• What were the consequences of the Balkan Wars for the Great Powers?

  • Increased military preparations, especially in Germany
  • Amendments to Germany's Schlieffen Plan
  • Strengthened commitments among the Entente powers
• What event triggered the July Crisis in 1914?

  The assassination of Franz Ferdinand
• Who were the assassins of Franz Ferdinand?

  Members of The Black Hand, armed by rogue Serbian officials
• What was Austria-Hungary's response to the assassination of Franz Ferdinand?

  They sought a firmer guarantee of German support for an invasion of Serbia
• What did Germany's 'blank cheque' signify?

  Germany promised unconditional support for Austria-Hungary's actions
• What ultimatum did Austria-Hungary send to Serbia on 23rd July?

  An ultimatum demanding a satisfactory response within 48 hours
• How did Serbia respond to Austria-Hungary's ultimatum?

  Serbia conceded to all demands except two regarding Austrian officials
• What was the significance of the bombardment of Belgrade?

  It marked the beginning of the Austro-Hungarian military action against Serbia
• What was the outcome of the mobilization of German and Russian forces in July 1914?

  It escalated tensions and led to the declaration of war
• When did Russia mobilize its forces in response to the crisis?

  On 30th July 1914
• What was the reaction of Wilhelm II to Russia's mobilization?

  He claimed he had no choice but to declare war on Russia
• How did the Balkan Wars influence the alliances in Europe?

  They strengthened commitments among the Entente powers
• What was at risk for Russia after backing down in the Bosnian Crisis and not intervening in the Balkan Wars?

  Its title as 'Protector of Slavs' and its prestige as a Great Power
• What was Tsar Nicholas's initial idea regarding mobilization?

  To order only partial mobilization to fight Austria-Hungary
• Why did Tsar Nicholas hope to encourage Germany to back down?

  By only partially mobilizing troops
• What did Nicholas and Wilhelm exchange in an attempt to avoid war?

  Desperate telegrams
• What was the German ministers' strategy during this period?

  To make Germany appear to be the victim of aggression
• What did Chancellor Hollweg instruct the German ambassador to communicate to Russia?

  That further progress in Russian mobilization would compel Germany to mobilize
• Why did Russian generals argue for mobilization?

  It was the only way for Russia to have a strong chance of victory against the Dual Alliance
• When did Russia mobilize?

  On 30th July
• What accusation did Wilhelm make against Nicholas after Russia's mobilization?

  That Nicholas was secretly mobilizing while trying to negotiate
• What action did Germany take on 30th July following Russia's mobilization?

  Germany began to mobilize
• What did Moltke do on 30th July?

  Sent a telegram to Austria-Hungary encouraging them to mobilize against Russia and Serbia