Explosive condition of Balkans in 1871 –
The Balkans was a region of geographical and ** variation comprising modern days Romania, Bulgaria,
Albania, Greece and Macedonia whose inhabitants were broadly known as Slavs. A large part of Balkans was under the control of Ottoman Empire. The spread of ideas of Romantic Nationalism in the Balkans together with the disintegration of the Ottoman Empire made this region explosive.
All throughout the 19th century the Ottoman Empire had sought to strengthen itself.
The Balkan people based their claims for independence or political rights on nationality and used history for their claim. Balkan also became the scene of rivalry among big powers. To be assessed as a whole.
Detailed Answer :
Balkan region was a source of tension because of the following reasons –
(i) It was a region of geographical, ** variation comprising Romania, Bulgaria, etc., and its inhabitants were broadly known as Slavs.
(ii) Large part of Balkans was under the Ottoman Empire and the disintegration of which created an explosive situation.
(iii) Balkan people used history to prove that they were independent but subsequently subjugated.
(iv) Intense rivalry among **** powers over trade and colonies as well as naval and military might led to a series of wars in the region and finally the First World War.
