Bismarckian System & The Balkans
The Bismarckian System: Isolation of France
- (1873) Three Emperor's League: Germany, Russia, Austria
Austrian/Russian tension over Balkans region
- (1878) Treaty of San Stefano: Russian "control" of Bulgaria (later revised)
- (1882) Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy
(1887) Reinsurance Treaty: Germany/Russia (avoid 2-front war)
- (1907) Triple Entente: Great Britain, France, Russia
“If there is ever another war in Europe, it will come out of
some damned silly thing in the Balkans--Otto von Bismarck”
Balkan Crises & Wars:
- (1908) Annexation of Bosnia & Herzegovina by A-H
Serbia backed by Russia & German support of Austria
- Balkan League (Serbia/Bulgaria/Montenegro/Greece)
(1912) Turks defeated in First Balkan War
- Tensions over division of newly conquered Macedonia & Albania
- (1913) Greece, Serbia, Romania & Turkey defeated Bulgaria
Macedonia largely divided between Greece & Serbia
Consequences: Bitterness & Tension
- Serbian anger over creation of independent Albania (blamed Austria-Hungary)
- Austria-Hungary viewed Serbia as a major threat to empire
- Russia would stand up to Austria-Hungary/Germany in future