Question

Highlight the reasons for the growth of nationalist tensions in the Balkan region before the First World War.

Answer 1

Dear student,

Following factors were responsible for growth of nationalist tensions in Balkans were :

• The Balkans was a region of geographical and ethnic variation comprising modern-day Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, Greece, Macedonia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Slovenia, Serbia and Montenegro whose inhabitants were broadly known as the Slavs.
• As the different Slavic nationalities struggled to define their identity and independence, the Balkan area became an area of intense conflict.
• The Balkan states were fiercely jealous of each other and each hoped to gain more territory at the expense of the others.
• Matters were further complicated because the Balkans also became the scene of big power rivalry.

Regards,