The Balkans Leading Up To The Balkan League
The Balkans Leading up to the Balkan League
The world scene in the early 19th and 20th century was one which was delicately held in balance through a series of treaties, truces, and agreements. This volatile setting was one which all agreed could change at any moment. As the 20th century began the world powers began to focus more and more on the ever explosives region of the Balkan peninsula. The Ottoman Empire, commonly referred to at this time as the sick man of Europe,' was in a state of demise as they barely maintained any control over their Balkan subjects. Rebellions were a regular occurrence in the Balkan states, and the waning might of the Ottoman Empire looked as though the end of its grip over these states was soon to come. Yet the importance of the Balkan states to the world scene was unquestionable, and as such the European powers interfered with all aspects of their society on a regular basis, which greatly heightened the amount of tension. As the newly formed Balkan states began to gain their independence several questions arose. The newly formed states would have to determine their boundaries, their culture, who they supported, and countless other aspects which were pivotal to their existence. Thus the Balkan states, unable to find a solution through diplomatic terms, became a territory filled with strife, terrorism, and revolutions. The effects of these actions had worldwide counter effects, as different nations of the world headed for an armed conflict of unseen proportions.
The European powers greatly influenced Balkan affairs in the early 20th century. In order to understand what led to the state of the Balkan independence it is essential to look at the global scene. The end of the 19th century was a century marked by rivalries between the European powers as they all sought to add to their empire. It was an era marked by imperialism and driven by industrialization. This inevitably scared many of the powers, who realized...
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