The Balkan Problem Part II

Ottoman Empire = Turkey (page 24 The Old Europe)

A Middle Eastern Nation

Russia -

– Wanted ports along the Mediterranean Sea

– Looking to take coastal areas away from Turkey

Austria- Hungary

– Wants ports

– Want control of Serbia (and other Slavic areas) to prevent rebellion against Austria

– Took provinces of Bosnia and Herzegovina from Turkey (fatal mistake)

Germany –

– Wanted a railway from Berlin to Baghdad (Iraq)

– 4000 km rail system needed to go through the center of the Balkans

Italy –

– Wanted to gain a strip of land on the other side of the Adriatic Sea, increasing their control of this waterway

1908 – The Young Turks Revolution provided these four nations with their chance to “kick the dying man”

Bulgaria-

– Half owned by Turkey, set up a Kingdom

– Declared themselves as an independent nation

– Crete was united with Greece

The Balkan League –

King Peter of Serbia (200 000)

King Nicholas of Montenegro (40 000)

King Ferdinand of Bulgaria (300 000)

King George of Greece (80 000)

Creates the nation of Albania