Question

Why did the Balkan regions become a source of nationalist tension in Europe after 1871?Explain

Answer 1

Balkan region was a source of tension because of the following reasons:

(1) It was a region of geographical, ethnic variation comprising Romania, Bulgaria, etc:and its inhabitants were broadly known as Slavs.

(2) Large part of Balkans was under the Ottoman Empire and the disintegration of which created an explosive situation. One by one its European subject nationalities broke away from its control and declared independence.

(3) Balkan peoples based their claims for independence or political rights on nationality and used history to prove that they were independent but subsequently subjugated.

(4) The Balkan states were fiercely jealous of each other & hoped to gain territory.

(5) Matters complicated because of intense rivalry among European powers over Trade & colonies as well as naval and military might. This led to a series of wars in the region and finally the first world war.

(6) Spread of the ideas of romantic nationalism.

Answer 2

Answer:

Balkans were comprised of various geographic and ethnic nations like modern Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, and many. A large part of the Balkans was under the control of the Ottoman empire.

Nationalist tensions emerged in the Balkans because of the spread of ideas of romantic nationalism as also the disintegration of the Ottoman Empire that had previously ruled over this area. The different Slavic communities in the Balkans began to strive for independent rule. One by one European subject nationalities broke away from its control and declared independence.

They were jealous of each other and every state wanted more territory, even at the expense of others. Also, the hold of imperial power over the Balkans made the situation worse. Russia, Germany, England, Austro-Hungary all wanted more control over this area. These conflicts ultimately led to the First World War in 1914.