The Crisis in the Balkans (1908-1909)
History: KS3, topic 16.2.5
The Crisis in the Balkans (1908-1909) - 'Eastern Question'
There were concerns that a collapse of the Ottoman Empire in the Balkans could cause tension between Russia and Austria-Hungary. This was the ‘Eastern Question’.
Slav Nationalism
- Nationalism means ‘a sense of national consciousness’.
- Most of the Serbian and Russian populations were Slav. This meant that the two had a natural bond and similar patriotic feeling.
- But, Serbia was still part of the Ottoman Empire and many slavs wanted to be free from the Ottoman Empire.
Austria-Hungary and Balkan Nationalism
- Austria-Hungary saw Slavs (often found in Serbia and Russia) as an inferior (worse) race.
- Austria-Hungary opposed Balkan nationalism because it had many Slavic people in its own empire and they might want to break away too.
- Some Slavs carried out acts of terrorism against Austria-Hungary.
Road to crisis
- With the backing of Germany, Austria-Hungary felt confident to move on Serbia.
- Austro-Hungarian politicians wanted to shut down the threat of Slav nationalism and make an example of Serbia.
Test yourself on The Crisis in the Balkans (1908-1909)
What is the definition of nationalism?
Who were the Slavs?
When did the Balkan crisis start?