6 - The Balkan Crisis Flashcards
What became a powerful force in Europe by the late 1800s?
Nationalism
Nationalism prioritized homeland culture and interests over others.
What did nationalism contribute to among European nations?
Rising tensions
Many were willing to go to war to expand their nation’s influence.
What does self-determination emphasize?
The right of people of the same nation to have their own country and government
This idea fueled movements for independence, especially in southeastern Europe.
Which empires historically ruled the Balkans?
The Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian Empires
These empires contained many different ethnic groups seeking independence.
Who were the South Slavs in the Balkans?
Serbs, Bosnians, Croats, and Slovenes
They spoke similar languages and identified as Yugoslavs.
Who were the first South Slavs to gain independence?
The Serbs
Serbia emerged as a nation between the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian Empires.
What was Serbia’s primary goal?
To unite all South Slavs into one nation
Russia supported Serbia, while Austria-Hungary opposed Serbian expansion.
What event occurred in 1908 involving Austria-Hungary?
Annexation of Bosnia
Bosnia was still part of the Ottoman Empire at the time.
How did the Serbs react to Austria-Hungary’s annexation of Bosnia?
They were furious
The Serbs wanted Bosnia to be part of their nation.
What did the annexation of Bosnia prove about Austria-Hungary?
They would not allow Slavic independence
This action heightened tensions in the region.
