By the end of 19th century nationalism didnt retain its idealistic liberal democratic sentiment of the first half of the century, but became a narrow creed with limited ends. Explain by giving detailed account of Bulkan region which was the most serious source of Nationalist tension in Europe after 1871
Answers
The Balkans comprised modern-day Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, Greece, Macedonia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Slovenia, Serbia and Montenegro.
The disintegration of the ruling Ottoman Empire and the spread of the ideas of romantic nationalism made this area explosive.
The European subject nationalities started breaking from its control to declare independence.
The Balkan revolutionaries’ acts were directed to gain back the long-lost independence.
The Balkan States were fiercely jealous of each other and wanted to gain more territory at the expense of the other.
There was intense rivalry among the European powers over trade, colonies, naval might and military might. European powers such as Russia, Germany, England and Austro-Hungary were keen on opposing the hold of other powers over the Balkans for extending their own area of control.
All these events ultimately triggered the First World War (1914).