How did events in the Balkans lead to a crisis between the Great Powers?

Background: The Ottoman Empire The Ottoman Empire had once been a great power. At its height in 1683, its borders stretched from Europe, including the ‘Balkans’ into Asia Minor and across parts of North Africa

But by the end of the19th Century it was ‘the sick man of Europe’ Ruling such a diverse range of peoples – Slavs, Turks – was proving difficult. The co-existence of many different races and religions, Muslim and Christian, was a source of great tension which often sparked bitter uprisings. What problems could arise if the of the sick man of Europe actually died? Any solutions to this problem?

Control of ‘European Turkey’ – (includes Bulgaria and Bosnia). Important trade routes of Black Sea and Straits of Constantinople leading to Mediterranean Sea The Ottoman Empire by 1870 – What was at stake? What was up for grabs? Access to Suez Canal and Persian Gulf

Germany Having consolidated her position after the Franco-Prussian War, she was now emerging as a dominant European power. However, she was concerned about potential threats to her power; most notably from France, with its continued desire for ‘ravanche’, and also from growing friction between Russia, Austria-Hungary over the fate of the Balkans. Her geographical position poses a significant threat, sandwiched as you are between other great European powers – what would be the outcome of an alliance between France and Russia? or France and Austria-Hungary??

Russia In recent years, Russia’s attention has increasingly focused on the Balkans. As leader of the Orthodox Church, she is morally obliged to protect the Christian Slavs currently ruled there by Muslim Turks. Within Russia there is much sympathy for the ideas of ‘Pan- Slavism’ or ‘Slav nationalism’ currently brewing in the Balkans. The crumbling Ottoman Empire also provides tempting opportunities to expand your territorial control of the Black Sea and Straits of Constantinople.

Great Britain Bismarck commented that ‘England should take the lead in the Eastern Question’. It is certainly true that Britain was concerned by the possible growth of Russian influence over the Balkans and Constantinople. This could alter the balance of trading power in the Mediterranean, Black Sea and, by access to the Suez Canal, the wider world! Another concern is Germany’s growing industrial and military power since unification in 1871.

Austria-Hungary Main concern is the growing spirit of Pan-Slavism or Slav Nationalism in the Balkans, bordering Austria-Hungary. This could undermine the stability of her own empire. The biggest threat comes from Russia, who has expansionist plans for the Balkans and is encouraging the Slavs in the region.

Situation 1: Initial thoughts? Any ideas about how would Germany might make her own position in Europe more secure? Whom do she sees as potential allies or threats?

Outcome 1 After a series of positive meetings between the German Kaiser, Habsburg (Austro-Hungarian) Emperor and Tsar of Russia, the THREE EMPERORS LEAGUE (Dreikaiserbund) was formed in Under this vague alliance, the three powers pledged to consult each other over issues that might affect peace and stability.

Situation 2: The Eastern Crisis of Tensions with Turkish rule erupted in with a series of demonstrations in Bosnia and Herzegovina which then spread to Bulgaria.

Outcome 2 Both Russia and Austria-Hungary pledged to honour the terms of the Dreikaiserbund, but the mood was tense particularly in Russia At this stage no other powers became involved in war.

Situation : The Bulgarian atrocities According to reports, in 1876 the Turks massacred over 10,000 Bulgarians. News of the terrible atrocities carried out against Balkan Christians spread throughout Europe. Russia faced pressure from the press and clergy to aid the Christian Slavs. However, Russia also faced economic problems after a series of bad harvests.

Outcome 3: Russia declared war on Turkey in April 1877 and by 1878 had decisively beaten the Turks. By the terms of the Treaty of San Stephano in March 1878 European Turkey was reduced to small unconnected territories by the creation of a ‘Greater Bulgaria’, under Russian occupation for two years, while Russia herself made some useful territorial gains. The signing of the treaty of San Stephano. Outcome 3: Russian victory and The Treaty of San Stephano

Situation 4: The Congress of Berlin, 1878 In response to international outrage at the terms of the Treaty of San Stephano, the great powers agreed to meet in Berlin to thrash out a new agreement.

Outcome 4: Results of the Berlin Congress Greater Bulgaria was divided into three: the north part, Bulgaria was granted complete independence under Russian supervision. the southern part was named Eastern Rumelia and was given self-government under Turkish control. The third part, called Macedonia, was returned to Turkish rule. Russia recovered Bessarabia, which she had lost to Rumania during the Crimean War Russia also acquired Batum, a valuable port on the eastern edge of the Black Sea, from Turkey. Austria-Hungary gained control of Bosnia from the Ottoman Empire. Britain gained control of the Meditteranean island of Cyprus and claimed the right to send any warships into the Black Sea when necessary. The Sultan of the Ottoman Empire agreed to a series of reforms within his country.

Bulgaria (independent under Russian supervision) Eastern Rumelia (independent under Turkish control) Macedonia (returned to Turkish rule) Bessarabia (Russia) Bosnia (given to Austria- Hungary)