Why It Proved to be Impossible to Solve the Problems Created by Balkan Nationalism Before 1914

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Why It Proved to be Impossible to Solve the Problems Created by Balkan Nationalism Before 1914 Balkan nationalism was apparent in the years leading up to 1914 in two forms: The desire for expansion, or rather, self-determination, within the immediate region, and also in the support of Pan-Slav nationalism (a Russian idea). In the years from 1900 to 1914, this nationalism caused the key problems of mistrust and suspicion between the two great powers of Austria Hungary and Russia, who’s conflicting national interests concerning the Balkan states arose from mutual distrust and desire to gain influence in the area and brought to the surface the conflicting national interests of the two countries within the region. The reasons it why it proved impossible to solve these aforementioned issues and soothe the tensions will be the focus of this essay. The Bosnian crisis of 1908 resulted form the annexation of the Balkan provinces of Bosnia-Herzegovina by Austria Hungary. This riled Serbian nationalism, and thus caused them to look to their Russian allies whom were already angered by the move that was in direct defiance of the 1879 Treaty of Berlin between the two powers that had agreed upon keeping status quo in the Balkans. Russia’s desires for influence in the area and an increase in Pan Slav nationalism were becoming even more obviously at odds with Austria Hungary desires for control over the Balkans 9 their 49% Slav empire depended to dampening such nationalism). Thus a great power issue was created, a nd the two countries seemed to be on the brink of war. The opposition of Both Great Britain and France left the economically weak Russia wit... ... middle of paper ... ...m between the two powers by the end of 1913 looked even more looming impossible. In conclusion, the problems created by Balkan nationalism proved impossible to solve because of the lack of conclusive and tension-relieving communication between the powers ( the attempts to solve the problems were not compromises and left Russia with face loss), and because of the intrinsically opposite nature of the Russian and Austria-Hungarian desires in the Balkans. The threat posed by Slavic nationalism in Austria Hungary, and the desire for influence and pan Slavic nationalism by Russia were goals too vital to the two countries to be compromised over. The tension and suspicion built up over the three key events mentioned served to make the situation worse, until the countries were on a collision course destined for bloodshed.

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