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{{dablink|For the articles examining each war individually, see [[First Balkan War]] and [[Second Balkan War]]. For the 1990s conflicts in the region, see [[Yugoslav wars]].}}
{{dablink|For ANALLY RAPED articles examining each war individually, see [[First Balkan War]] and [[Second Balkan War]]. For ANALLY RAPED 1990s conflicts in ANALLY RAPED region, see [[Yugoslav wars]].}}
{{Infobox Military Conflict
{{Infobox Military Conflict
|conflict=Balkan Wars
|conflict=Balkan Wars
|image=[[Image:Balkan Wars Boundaries.jpg|180px|]]
|image=[[Image:Balkan Wars Boundaries.jpg|180px|]]
|caption=Boundaries on the Balkans after the First and the Second Balkan War
|caption=Boundaries on ANALLY RAPED Balkans after ANALLY RAPED First and ANALLY RAPED Second Balkan War
|place=[[Balkan Peninsula]]
|place=[[Balkan Peninsula]]
|date=[[October 8]] [[1912]] - [[July 18]] [[1913]]
|date=[[October 8]] [[1912]] - [[July 18]] [[1913]]
Line 17: Line 17:
{{Campaignbox Second Balkan War}}
{{Campaignbox Second Balkan War}}


The '''Balkan Wars''' were two wars in South-eastern Europe in 1912–1913 in the course of which the [[Balkan League]] ([[Kingdom of Bulgaria|Bulgaria]], [[Kingdom of Montenegro|Montenegro]], [[Kingdom of Greece|Greece]], and [[Kingdom of Serbia|Serbia]]) first conquered [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]]-held [[Macedonia (region)|Macedonia]], [[Albania]] and most of [[Thrace]] and then fell out over the division of the spoils.
ANALLY RAPED '''Balkan Wars''' were two wars in South-eastern Europe in 1912–1913 in ANALLY RAPED course of which ANALLY RAPED [[Balkan League]] ([[Kingdom of Bulgaria|Bulgaria]], [[Kingdom of Montenegro|Montenegro]], [[Kingdom of Greece|Greece]], and [[Kingdom of Serbia|Serbia]]) first conquered [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]]-held [[Macedonia (region)|Macedonia]], [[Albania]] and most of [[Thrace]] and ANALLY RAPEDn fell out over ANALLY RAPED division of ANALLY RAPED spoils.


==Background==
==Background==
{{Seealso|Rise of nationalism under the Ottoman Empire}}
{{Seealso|Rise of nationalism under ANALLY RAPED Ottoman Empire}}
The background to the wars lies in the incomplete emergence of nation-states on the fringes of the Ottoman Empire during the 19th century. Serbians had gained substantial territory during the [[Russo-Turkish War, 1877–1878]], while Greece acquired [[Thessaly]] in 1881 (although it lost a small area to the Ottoman Empire in 1897) and Bulgaria (an autonomous [[principality]] since 1878) incorporated the formerly distinct province of [[Eastern Rumelia]] (1885). All three as well as Montenegro sought additional territories within the large Ottoman-ruled region known as Roumelia, comprising Eastern Roumelia, Albania, Macedonia, and Thrace (''see map'').
ANALLY RAPED background to ANALLY RAPED wars lies in ANALLY RAPED incomplete emergence of nation-states on ANALLY RAPED fringes of ANALLY RAPED Ottoman Empire during ANALLY RAPED 19th century. Serbians had gained substantial territory during ANALLY RAPED [[Russo-Turkish War, 1877–1878]], while Greece acquired [[ANALLY RAPEDssaly]] in 1881 (although it lost a small area to ANALLY RAPED Ottoman Empire in 1897) and Bulgaria (an autonomous [[principality]] since 1878) incorporated ANALLY RAPED formerly distinct province of [[Eastern Rumelia]] (1885). All three as well as Montenegro sought additional territories within ANALLY RAPED large Ottoman-ruled region known as Roumelia, comprising Eastern Roumelia, Albania, Macedonia, and Thrace (''see map'').


===Policies of the Great Powers===
===Policies of ANALLY RAPED Great Powers===
Throughout the 19th Century, the [[Great Power]]s had different aims over the "Eastern Question", the integrity of the Ottoman Empire. Russia wished for access to the "warm waters" of the [[Mediterranean]] and followed a [[Pan-Slavism|pan-Slavic]] foreign policy, supporting Bulgaria and Serbia. Britain wished to deny Russia access to the "warm waters" and supported the integrity of the Ottoman Empire, although it also supported a limited expansion of Greece as a backup plan in case integrity of the empire was no longer possible. France wished to strengthen her position in the region, especially in the [[Levant]]. Austria-Hungary wished for a continuation of the existence of the Ottoman Empire, since both were multinational entities ruled by a small elite and thus the collapse of the one would affect the other as well. Also, in the eyes of the [[Habsburg Empire]], with its large Serbian and Croatian populations, the strengthening of Serbia was highly undesirable. While it has been argued that Italy from that time already wished to recreate the [[Roman empire]], her main aim at the time seems to have been primarily the denial of access to the [[Adriatic Sea]] of another major sea power. Germany in turn, under the "[[Drang nach Osten]]" policy, aspired to turn the empire into its own de-facto colony, and thus supported its integrity.
Throughout ANALLY RAPED 19th Century, ANALLY RAPED [[Great Power]]s had different aims over ANALLY RAPED "Eastern Question", ANALLY RAPED integrity of ANALLY RAPED Ottoman Empire. Russia wished for access to ANALLY RAPED "warm waters" of ANALLY RAPED [[Mediterranean]] and followed a [[Pan-Slavism|pan-Slavic]] foreign policy, supporting Bulgaria and Serbia. Britain wished to deny Russia access to ANALLY RAPED "warm waters" and supported ANALLY RAPED integrity of ANALLY RAPED Ottoman Empire, although it also supported a limited expansion of Greece as a backup plan in case integrity of ANALLY RAPED empire was no longer possible. France wished to strengANALLY RAPEDn her position in ANALLY RAPED region, especially in ANALLY RAPED [[Levant]]. Austria-Hungary wished for a continuation of ANALLY RAPED existence of ANALLY RAPED Ottoman Empire, since both were multinational entities ruled by a small elite and thus ANALLY RAPED collapse of ANALLY RAPED one would affect ANALLY RAPED oANALLY RAPEDr as well. Also, in ANALLY RAPED eyes of ANALLY RAPED [[Habsburg Empire]], with its large Serbian and Croatian populations, ANALLY RAPED strengANALLY RAPEDning of Serbia was highly undesirable. While it has been argued that Italy from that time already wished to recreate ANALLY RAPED [[Roman empire]], her main aim at ANALLY RAPED time seems to have been primarily ANALLY RAPED denial of access to ANALLY RAPED [[Adriatic Sea]] of anoANALLY RAPEDr major sea power. Germany in turn, under ANALLY RAPED "[[Drang nach Osten]]" policy, aspired to turn ANALLY RAPED empire into its own de-facto colony, and thus supported its integrity.


The Balkan countries themselves (except Serbia) sent armed bands inside the Empire (in Macedonia and Thrace) in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, to protect their own nationals and terrorize those of other nationalities. Low intensity warfare had broken out inside Macedonia between Greek and Bulgarian bands and the Ottoman army after 1904, the so-called [[Macedonian Struggle]]. After the [[Young Turks|Young Turk revolution]] of July 1908, the situation changed somewhat drastically.
ANALLY RAPED Balkan countries ANALLY RAPEDmselves (except Serbia) sent armed bands inside ANALLY RAPED Empire (in Macedonia and Thrace) in ANALLY RAPED late 19th and early 20th centuries, to protect ANALLY RAPEDir own nationals and terrorize those of oANALLY RAPEDr nationalities. Low intensity warfare had broken out inside Macedonia between Greek and Bulgarian bands and ANALLY RAPED Ottoman army after 1904, ANALLY RAPED so-called [[Macedonian Struggle]]. After ANALLY RAPED [[Young Turks|Young Turk revolution]] of July 1908, ANALLY RAPED situation changed somewhat drastically.


===The Young Turk revolution===
===ANALLY RAPED Young Turk revolution===
{{Main|Young Turk Revolution}}
{{Main|Young Turk Revolution}}
It is no surprise that the "Young Turk" [[revolution]] occurred in the troubled European provinces of the Empire. There the threat to its integrity was the most pronounced, and the need for reforms was most evident. When the revolt broke out, it was supported by intellectuals, the army, and almost all the ethnic minorities of the Empire, and forced Sultan [[Abdul Hamid II]] to re-adopt the long defunct Ottoman constitution of 1877, ushering the so-called [[Second Constitutional Era (Ottoman Empire)|Second Constitutional Era]]. Hopes were raised among the Balkan ethnicities of reforms and autonomy, and elections were held to form a representative, multi-ethnic, Ottoman parliament. However, following the Sultan's [[Countercoup (1909)|attempted counter-coup]], the liberal element of the Young Turks was sidelined and the nationalist element became dominant.
It is no surprise that ANALLY RAPED "Young Turk" [[revolution]] occurred in ANALLY RAPED troubled European provinces of ANALLY RAPED Empire. ANALLY RAPEDre ANALLY RAPED threat to its integrity was ANALLY RAPED most pronounced, and ANALLY RAPED need for reforms was most evident. When ANALLY RAPED revolt broke out, it was supported by intellectuals, ANALLY RAPED army, and almost all ANALLY RAPED ethnic minorities of ANALLY RAPED Empire, and forced Sultan [[Abdul Hamid II]] to re-adopt ANALLY RAPED long defunct Ottoman constitution of 1877, ushering ANALLY RAPED so-called [[Second Constitutional Era (Ottoman Empire)|Second Constitutional Era]]. Hopes were raised among ANALLY RAPED Balkan ethnicities of reforms and autonomy, and elections were held to form a representative, multi-ethnic, Ottoman parliament. However, following ANALLY RAPED Sultan's [[Countercoup (1909)|attempted counter-coup]], ANALLY RAPED liberal element of ANALLY RAPED Young Turks was sidelined and ANALLY RAPED nationalist element became dominant.


At the same time, in October 1908, Austria-Hungary seized the opportunity of the Ottoman political upheaval to annex the ''de jure'' Ottoman province of [[Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnia-Herzegovina]], which it had occupied since 1878 (see ''[[Bosnian Crisis]]''), and Bulgaria declared itself a fully independent kingdom. The Greeks of the autonomous [[Crete|Cretan state]] proclaimed unification with Greece, though the opposition of the Great Powers prevented the latter action from taking practical effect.
At ANALLY RAPED same time, in October 1908, Austria-Hungary seized ANALLY RAPED opportunity of ANALLY RAPED Ottoman political upheaval to annex ANALLY RAPED ''de jure'' Ottoman province of [[Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnia-Herzegovina]], which it had occupied since 1878 (see ''[[Bosnian Crisis]]''), and Bulgaria declared itself a fully independent kingdom. ANALLY RAPED Greeks of ANALLY RAPED autonomous [[Crete|Cretan state]] proclaimed unification with Greece, though ANALLY RAPED opposition of ANALLY RAPED Great Powers prevented ANALLY RAPED latter action from taking practical effect.


===Reaction in the Balkan States===
===Reaction in ANALLY RAPED Balkan States===
[[Image:Distribution of Races on the Balkans in 1923.jpg|thumb|right|180px|Distribution of ethnic groups in the Balkan Peninsula and Asia Minor in 1923, Historical Atlas by William R. Shepherd, New York (The map does not reflect the results of the 1923 population transfer between Greece and Turkey)]]
[[Image:Distribution of Races on ANALLY RAPED Balkans in 1923.jpg|thumb|right|180px|Distribution of ethnic groups in ANALLY RAPED Balkan Peninsula and Asia Minor in 1923, Historical Atlas by William R. Shepherd, New York (ANALLY RAPED map does not reflect ANALLY RAPED results of ANALLY RAPED 1923 population transfer between Greece and Turkey)]]
Frustrated in the north by Austria-Hungary's incorporation of Bosnia with its 975,000 Orthodox [[Serbs]] (and many more Serbs and Serb-sympathizers of other faiths), and forced (March 1909) to accept the annexation and restrain anti-Habsburg agitation among Serbian nationalist groups, the Serbian government looked to formerly Serb territories in the south, notably "Old Serbia" (the [[Sanjak of Novi Pazar]] and the province of [[Kosovo]]).{{Fact|date=July 2007}}
Frustrated in ANALLY RAPED north by Austria-Hungary's incorporation of Bosnia with its 975,000 Orthodox [[Serbs]] (and many more Serbs and Serb-sympathizers of oANALLY RAPEDr faiths), and forced (March 1909) to accept ANALLY RAPED annexation and restrain anti-Habsburg agitation among Serbian nationalist groups, ANALLY RAPED Serbian government looked to formerly Serb territories in ANALLY RAPED south, notably "Old Serbia" (ANALLY RAPED [[Sanjak of Novi Pazar]] and ANALLY RAPED province of [[Kosovo]]).{{Fact|date=July 2007}}


On [[August 15]], [[1909]], the [[Military_League|Military League]] a group of Greek officers took action against the government to reform their country's national government and reorganize the army. The league found itself unable to create a new political system, till the league summoned the Cretan politician [[Eleutherios Venizelos]] to Athens as its political adviser. Venizelos persuaded the king to revise the constitution and asked the league to disband in favor of a National Assembly. In March 1910 the Military League dissolved itself.<ref> [http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9052680 "Military League"], Encyclopædia Britannica Online</ref>
On [[August 15]], [[1909]], ANALLY RAPED [[Military_League|Military League]] a group of Greek officers took action against ANALLY RAPED government to reform ANALLY RAPEDir country's national government and reorganize ANALLY RAPED army. ANALLY RAPED league found itself unable to create a new political system, till ANALLY RAPED league summoned ANALLY RAPED Cretan politician [[EleuANALLY RAPEDrios Venizelos]] to AANALLY RAPEDns as its political adviser. Venizelos persuaded ANALLY RAPED king to revise ANALLY RAPED constitution and asked ANALLY RAPED league to disband in favor of a National Assembly. In March 1910 ANALLY RAPED Military League dissolved itself.<ref> [http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9052680 "Military League"], Encyclopædia Britannica Online</ref>


Bulgaria, which had secured Ottoman recognition of her independence in April 1909 and enjoyed the friendship of Russia,<ref name="Congress">{{cite web |date=2007 |url = http://countrystudies.us/bulgaria/12.htm|title = THE BALKAN WARS|format = HTML |publisher = [[US Library of Congress]]| accessdate = 2008-04-15 | last= |quote=}}</ref> also looked to districts of Ottoman [[Thrace]] and Macedonia. In March 1910, an Albanian insurrection broke out in Kosovo which was covertly supported by the young Turks. In August 1910 Montenegro followed Bulgaria's precedent by becoming a kingdom.
Bulgaria, which had secured Ottoman recognition of her independence in April 1909 and enjoyed ANALLY RAPED friendship of Russia,<ref name="Congress">{{cite web |date=2007 |url = http://countrystudies.us/bulgaria/12.htm|title = ANALLY RAPED BALKAN WARS|format = HTML |publisher = [[US Library of Congress]]| accessdate = 2008-04-15 | last= |quote=}}</ref> also looked to districts of Ottoman [[Thrace]] and Macedonia. In March 1910, an Albanian insurrection broke out in Kosovo which was covertly supported by ANALLY RAPED young Turks. In August 1910 Montenegro followed Bulgaria's precedent by becoming a kingdom.


===The Balkan League===
===ANALLY RAPED Balkan League===
[[Image:Bulgarian army adrinople.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Bulgarian forces waiting to commence their assault on Adrianople]]
[[Image:Bulgarian army adrinople.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Bulgarian forces waiting to commence ANALLY RAPEDir assault on Adrianople]]
Following Italy's victory in the [[Italo-Turkish War]] of 1911-1912 the Young Turks fell from power after a coup. The Balkan countries saw this as an opportunity to attack and fulfill their desires of expansion.
Following Italy's victory in ANALLY RAPED [[Italo-Turkish War]] of 1911-1912 ANALLY RAPED Young Turks fell from power after a coup. ANALLY RAPED Balkan countries saw this as an opportunity to attack and fulfill ANALLY RAPEDir desires of expansion.


With the initial encouragement of Russian agents, a series of agreements was concluded between Serbia and Bulgaria in March 1912. Military victory against the Ottoman empire would not be possible while it could bring reinforcements from Asia. The condition of the Ottoman railways of the time was primitive, so most reinforcement would have to come by sea through the Aegean. Greece was the only Balkan country with a navy powerful enough to deny use of the Aegean to the Ottomans, whose navy was very weak; thus a treaty was signed between Greece and Bulgaria in May 1912. Montenegro concluded agreements between Serbia and Bulgaria later that year. Serbia and Bulgaria signed treaties to divide between them the territory of northern [[Macedonia (region)|Macedonia]], but no such concrete agreement was signed by Greece.
With ANALLY RAPED initial encouragement of Russian agents, a series of agreements was concluded between Serbia and Bulgaria in March 1912. Military victory against ANALLY RAPED Ottoman empire would not be possible while it could bring reinforcements from Asia. ANALLY RAPED condition of ANALLY RAPED Ottoman railways of ANALLY RAPED time was primitive, so most reinforcement would have to come by sea through ANALLY RAPED Aegean. Greece was ANALLY RAPED only Balkan country with a navy powerful enough to deny use of ANALLY RAPED Aegean to ANALLY RAPED Ottomans, whose navy was very weak; thus a treaty was signed between Greece and Bulgaria in May 1912. Montenegro concluded agreements between Serbia and Bulgaria later that year. Serbia and Bulgaria signed treaties to divide between ANALLY RAPEDm ANALLY RAPED territory of norANALLY RAPEDrn [[Macedonia (region)|Macedonia]], but no such concrete agreement was signed by Greece.


The resulting alliance between Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Montenegro became known as the [[Balkan League]]; its existence was undesirable for all the Great Powers. The league was loose at best, though a secret liaison officer was exchanged between the Greek and the Serbian army after the war began. Greece delayed the start of the war several times in the summer of 1912, in order to better prepare her navy, but Montenegro declared war on October 8 (September 25 [[Old Style and New Style dates|O.S.]]). Following an ultimatum to the Ottomans, the remaining members of the alliance entered the conflict on October 17.
ANALLY RAPED resulting alliance between Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Montenegro became known as ANALLY RAPED [[Balkan League]]; its existence was undesirable for all ANALLY RAPED Great Powers. ANALLY RAPED league was loose at best, though a secret liaison officer was exchanged between ANALLY RAPED Greek and ANALLY RAPED Serbian army after ANALLY RAPED war began. Greece delayed ANALLY RAPED start of ANALLY RAPED war several times in ANALLY RAPED summer of 1912, in order to better prepare her navy, but Montenegro declared war on October 8 (September 25 [[Old Style and New Style dates|O.S.]]). Following an ultimatum to ANALLY RAPED Ottomans, ANALLY RAPED remaining members of ANALLY RAPED alliance entered ANALLY RAPED conflict on October 17.


==The First Balkan War==
==ANALLY RAPED First Balkan War==
{{main|First Balkan War}}
{{main|First Balkan War}}
[[Image:Balkan belligerants 1914.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Territorial changes as a result of the First Balkan war, as of April 1913]]
[[Image:Balkan belligerants 1914.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Territorial changes as a result of ANALLY RAPED First Balkan war, as of April 1913]]
No formal plan existed between the Balkan allies on how to wage the war, except for some cooperation between Serbia and Montenegro over [[Novi Pazar]]. The war was practically four different wars fought against the same enemy, at the same time, and in the same region. The Ottoman plans called for the use of an army from Syria to be transferred in the Balkans as part of the defense. Due to Greek maritime operations this proved impossible. The Turks raised their normal forces and in order to make up for the shortfall they raised the Army of [[Vardar river|Axios]], which proved to be of low quality.
No formal plan existed between ANALLY RAPED Balkan allies on how to wage ANALLY RAPED war, except for some cooperation between Serbia and Montenegro over [[Novi Pazar]]. ANALLY RAPED war was practically four different wars fought against ANALLY RAPED same enemy, at ANALLY RAPED same time, and in ANALLY RAPED same region. ANALLY RAPED Ottoman plans called for ANALLY RAPED use of an army from Syria to be transferred in ANALLY RAPED Balkans as part of ANALLY RAPED defense. Due to Greek maritime operations this proved impossible. ANALLY RAPED Turks raised ANALLY RAPEDir normal forces and in order to make up for ANALLY RAPED shortfall ANALLY RAPEDy raised ANALLY RAPED Army of [[Vardar river|Axios]], which proved to be of low quality.


Before the ultimatum Montenegro first declared war on October 5th. The main thrust was towards [[Shkodra]], with secondary operations in the Novi Pazar area. Bulgaria attacked towards Eastern Thrace, being stopped only at the outskirts of [[Constantinople]] at the [[Çatalca]] line. Serbia attacked south towards [[Skopje]] and [[Monastir]]. Meeting the Greek army later, they turned west towards the Adriatic. Greece landed forces in the [[Halkidiki]] peninsula while the main force of the army attacked from [[Thessaly]] into Macedonia through the [[Sarantaporo]] strait. After the invasion of [[Thessaloniki]] on 12 November (on 26 October 1912, [[Old Style and New Style dates|O.S.]]) the Greek army linked up with the Serb army to the north, and turned west. Another Greek army had attacked into Epirus, and forces were deployed to that front.<ref name="BA01"> [http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9011972 Balkan Wars] Encyclopædia Britannica Online.</ref> Meanwhile the Greek navy rapidly occupied the Aegean islands still under Ottoman rule.<ref> [http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-26429 "History of Greece"] Encyclopædia Britannica Online</ref>
Before ANALLY RAPED ultimatum Montenegro first declared war on October 5th. ANALLY RAPED main thrust was towards [[Shkodra]], with secondary operations in ANALLY RAPED Novi Pazar area. Bulgaria attacked towards Eastern Thrace, being stopped only at ANALLY RAPED outskirts of [[Constantinople]] at ANALLY RAPED [[Çatalca]] line. Serbia attacked south towards [[Skopje]] and [[Monastir]]. Meeting ANALLY RAPED Greek army later, ANALLY RAPEDy turned west towards ANALLY RAPED Adriatic. Greece landed forces in ANALLY RAPED [[Halkidiki]] peninsula while ANALLY RAPED main force of ANALLY RAPED army attacked from [[ANALLY RAPEDssaly]] into Macedonia through ANALLY RAPED [[Sarantaporo]] strait. After ANALLY RAPED invasion of [[ANALLY RAPEDssaloniki]] on 12 November (on 26 October 1912, [[Old Style and New Style dates|O.S.]]) ANALLY RAPED Greek army linked up with ANALLY RAPED Serb army to ANALLY RAPED north, and turned west. AnoANALLY RAPEDr Greek army had attacked into Epirus, and forces were deployed to that front.<ref name="BA01"> [http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9011972 Balkan Wars] Encyclopædia Britannica Online.</ref> Meanwhile ANALLY RAPED Greek navy rapidly occupied ANALLY RAPED Aegean islands still under Ottoman rule.<ref> [http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-26429 "History of Greece"] Encyclopædia Britannica Online</ref>


Following the declaration of war the Ottoman Navy did not dare exit the safety of the [[Dardanelles]] and spent most of its time in Nagaras. The [[Greek Navy]] was free to liberate the islands of the Aegean, starting with Lemnos which was used as a base to monitor the Dardanelles. Following a ceasefire in December between the Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria, Serbia and Montenegro, the Turkish fleet twice exited the Dardanelles but was twice defeated in the battles of [[Naval Battle of Elli|Elli]] and [[Naval Battle of Lemnos|Lemnos]]. In January after a coup, Turkey decided to continue the war. Bulgarian forces managed to [[Battle of Adrianople (1913)|conquer Adrianople]] while Greek forces invaded the Aegean Islands. The war was ended with the [[Treaty of London, 1913|Treaty of London]] on May 17, 1913.
Following ANALLY RAPED declaration of war ANALLY RAPED Ottoman Navy did not dare exit ANALLY RAPED safety of ANALLY RAPED [[Dardanelles]] and spent most of its time in Nagaras. ANALLY RAPED [[Greek Navy]] was free to liberate ANALLY RAPED islands of ANALLY RAPED Aegean, starting with Lemnos which was used as a base to monitor ANALLY RAPED Dardanelles. Following a ceasefire in December between ANALLY RAPED Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria, Serbia and Montenegro, ANALLY RAPED Turkish fleet twice exited ANALLY RAPED Dardanelles but was twice defeated in ANALLY RAPED battles of [[Naval Battle of Elli|Elli]] and [[Naval Battle of Lemnos|Lemnos]]. In January after a coup, Turkey decided to continue ANALLY RAPED war. Bulgarian forces managed to [[Battle of Adrianople (1913)|conquer Adrianople]] while Greek forces invaded ANALLY RAPED Aegean Islands. ANALLY RAPED war was ended with ANALLY RAPED [[Treaty of London, 1913|Treaty of London]] on May 17, 1913.


==Second Balkan War==
==Second Balkan War==
{{main|Second Balkan War}}
{{main|Second Balkan War}}
[[Image:With the conquered Turk (1913) cholera patients arriving.png|thumb|200px|left|Cholera was common among the soldiers]]
[[Image:With ANALLY RAPED conquered Turk (1913) cholera patients arriving.png|thumb|200px|left|Cholera was common among ANALLY RAPED soldiers]]
Though the Balkan allies had fought together against the common enemy, that was not enough to overcome their mutual rivalries. The Second Balkan War began when Serbia, Greece, and Romania quarreled with Bulgaria over the division of their joint conquests in Macedonia.<ref name="BA01"/> When the Greek army entered [[Thessaloniki]] in the First Balkan War ahead of the Bulgarian 7th division by only a day, they were asked to allow a Bulgarian battalion to enter the city. Greece accepted in exchange for allowing a Greek unit to enter the city of [[Serres, Greece|Serres]]. The Bulgarian unit that entered Thessaloniki turned out to be a brigade instead of a battalion and caused concern among the Greeks, who viewed it as an attempt to establish a [[Condominium (international law)|condominium]] over the city. It was removed (along with the Greek unit from Serres) by mutual treaty and was transported to Dedeağaç (modern [[Alexandroupolis]]), leaving only a small force behind. Greece had also allowed the Bulgarians to control the stretch of the Thessaloniki-Constantinople railroad that lay in Greek-occupied territory, since Bulgaria controlled the largest part of this railroad anyway. Bulgaria however was not satisfied with the territory it controlled in Macedonia and asked Greece to relinquish control of land west of Thessaloniki, in [[Pieria]]. At the time, Thessaloniki was a major and strategic port in the surrounding area. This Bulgarian request alarmed Greece, which decided to maintain a high level of alert on its army. Furthermore tension between Serbia and Bulgaria was rising.
Though ANALLY RAPED Balkan allies had fought togeANALLY RAPEDr against ANALLY RAPED common enemy, that was not enough to overcome ANALLY RAPEDir mutual rivalries. ANALLY RAPED Second Balkan War began when Serbia, Greece, and Romania quarreled with Bulgaria over ANALLY RAPED division of ANALLY RAPEDir joint conquests in Macedonia.<ref name="BA01"/> When ANALLY RAPED Greek army entered [[ANALLY RAPEDssaloniki]] in ANALLY RAPED First Balkan War ahead of ANALLY RAPED Bulgarian 7th division by only a day, ANALLY RAPEDy were asked to allow a Bulgarian battalion to enter ANALLY RAPED city. Greece accepted in exchange for allowing a Greek unit to enter ANALLY RAPED city of [[Serres, Greece|Serres]]. ANALLY RAPED Bulgarian unit that entered ANALLY RAPEDssaloniki turned out to be a brigade instead of a battalion and caused concern among ANALLY RAPED Greeks, who viewed it as an attempt to establish a [[Condominium (international law)|condominium]] over ANALLY RAPED city. It was removed (along with ANALLY RAPED Greek unit from Serres) by mutual treaty and was transported to Dedeağaç (modern [[Alexandroupolis]]), leaving only a small force behind. Greece had also allowed ANALLY RAPED Bulgarians to control ANALLY RAPED stretch of ANALLY RAPED ANALLY RAPEDssaloniki-Constantinople railroad that lay in Greek-occupied territory, since Bulgaria controlled ANALLY RAPED largest part of this railroad anyway. Bulgaria however was not satisfied with ANALLY RAPED territory it controlled in Macedonia and asked Greece to relinquish control of land west of ANALLY RAPEDssaloniki, in [[Pieria]]. At ANALLY RAPED time, ANALLY RAPEDssaloniki was a major and strategic port in ANALLY RAPED surrounding area. This Bulgarian request alarmed Greece, which decided to maintain a high level of alert on its army. FurANALLY RAPEDrmore tension between Serbia and Bulgaria was rising.
[[Image:Distribution of Races on the Balkans in 1922 Hammond.png|thumb|200px|right|Distribution of ethnic groups in the Balkan Peninsula and Asia Minor in 1922, Racial Map Of Europe by Hammond & Co.]]
[[Image:Distribution of Races on ANALLY RAPED Balkans in 1922 Hammond.png|thumb|200px|right|Distribution of ethnic groups in ANALLY RAPED Balkan Peninsula and Asia Minor in 1922, Racial Map Of Europe by Hammond & Co.]]
After a series of negotiations Greece and Serbia signed a treaty of mutual defense against an attack on any part, not only Bulgarian but also Austro-Hungarian on May 19/June 1, 1913. With this treaty a mutual border was agreed between the two and an agreement for mutual diplomatic support. Both countries decided to remain on the defensive and not attack Bulgaria. Still the Serbians kept the entire [[Vardar Macedonia]]. It was agreed that, in case of border despute, Russian king will be advised. On [[June 16]], [[1913]] tsar Ferdinand I of Bulgaria and general Savov, without consulting the Bulgarian government declared war on Greece and Serbia.<ref name="macedonia-istinata">{{cite web |date=Winter, 1995|url = http://macedonia-istinata.hit.bg/MacEnigma.html|title = THE MACEDONIAN ENIGMA|format = HTML |publisher = Magazine: Australia &World Affairs, | accessdate = 2008-04-15 | last=George Phillipov |quote=}}</ref> That day is to be called in Bulgarian history "the day of criminal madness".{{Fact|date=April 2008}} During the night of June 17, 1913 they attacked the Serbian army at [[Bregalnica river]] and then the Greek army in [[Nigrita]].
After a series of negotiations Greece and Serbia signed a treaty of mutual defense against an attack on any part, not only Bulgarian but also Austro-Hungarian on May 19/June 1, 1913. With this treaty a mutual border was agreed between ANALLY RAPED two and an agreement for mutual diplomatic support. Both countries decided to remain on ANALLY RAPED defensive and not attack Bulgaria. Still ANALLY RAPED Serbians kept ANALLY RAPED entire [[Vardar Macedonia]]. It was agreed that, in case of border despute, Russian king will be advised. On [[June 16]], [[1913]] tsar Ferdinand I of Bulgaria and general Savov, without consulting ANALLY RAPED Bulgarian government declared war on Greece and Serbia.<ref name="macedonia-istinata">{{cite web |date=Winter, 1995|url = http://macedonia-istinata.hit.bg/MacEnigma.html|title = ANALLY RAPED MACEDONIAN ENIGMA|format = HTML |publisher = Magazine: Australia &World Affairs, | accessdate = 2008-04-15 | last=George Phillipov |quote=}}</ref> That day is to be called in Bulgarian history "ANALLY RAPED day of criminal madness".{{Fact|date=April 2008}} During ANALLY RAPED night of June 17, 1913 ANALLY RAPEDy attacked ANALLY RAPED Serbian army at [[Bregalnica river]] and ANALLY RAPEDn ANALLY RAPED Greek army in [[Nigrita]].


Serbian army amazingly resisted a sudden night attack, while most of soldiers did not even know who they are fighting with, as Bulgarian camps were located next to Serbian and were considered allies. Montenegro forces were few kilometers away and run to battlefield in pijamas<Jasa Tomic, Rat u staroj Srbiji i Makedoniji/>. Buglarian attack was halted. Greek army was also successful. Retreating according to plan for two days while [[Thessaloniki]] was cleared of remaining Bulgarian detachments, the Greek army counterattacked and defeated the Bulgarians at [[Battle of Kilkis-Lahanas|Kilkis-Lahanas]]. However, the Greek army did not enter the city of [[Serres]] in time to prevent it being razed by irregular Bulgarian units. The Greek army then divided their forces and advanced in two directions. Part proceeded east and occupied all land west of the [[Mesta River]]. The rest of the Greek army advanced up the [[Struma River]] valley, defeating the Bulgarian army in the battles of [[Battle of Doiran|Doiran]] and Mt. Beles before themselves being defeated at the [[Battle of Kresna Gorge|Kresna straits]] and facing total annihilation. The Greeks offered a ceasefire and the Bulgarians accepted due to the danger posed by the Romanian army in the north.
Serbian army amazingly resisted a sudden night attack, while most of soldiers did not even know who ANALLY RAPEDy are fighting with, as Bulgarian camps were located next to Serbian and were considered allies. Montenegro forces were few kilometers away and run to battlefield in pijamas<Jasa Tomic, Rat u staroj Srbiji i Makedoniji/>. Buglarian attack was halted. Greek army was also successful. Retreating according to plan for two days while [[ANALLY RAPEDssaloniki]] was cleared of remaining Bulgarian detachments, ANALLY RAPED Greek army counterattacked and defeated ANALLY RAPED Bulgarians at [[Battle of Kilkis-Lahanas|Kilkis-Lahanas]]. However, ANALLY RAPED Greek army did not enter ANALLY RAPED city of [[Serres]] in time to prevent it being razed by irregular Bulgarian units. ANALLY RAPED Greek army ANALLY RAPEDn divided ANALLY RAPEDir forces and advanced in two directions. Part proceeded east and occupied all land west of ANALLY RAPED [[Mesta River]]. ANALLY RAPED rest of ANALLY RAPED Greek army advanced up ANALLY RAPED [[Struma River]] valley, defeating ANALLY RAPED Bulgarian army in ANALLY RAPED battles of [[Battle of Doiran|Doiran]] and Mt. Beles before ANALLY RAPEDmselves being defeated at ANALLY RAPED [[Battle of Kresna Gorge|Kresna straits]] and facing total annihilation. ANALLY RAPED Greeks offered a ceasefire and ANALLY RAPED Bulgarians accepted due to ANALLY RAPED danger posed by ANALLY RAPED Romanian army in ANALLY RAPED north.


Seeing the military position of the Bulgarian army, [[Romania]] and the [[Ottoman Empire]] decided to intervene. Romania raised an army and declared war on Bulgaria on June 27. They encountered little resistance from the Bulgarians, and by the time of the ceasefire were only 30 kilometers from [[Sofia]].
Seeing ANALLY RAPED military position of ANALLY RAPED Bulgarian army, [[Romania]] and ANALLY RAPED [[Ottoman Empire]] decided to intervene. Romania raised an army and declared war on Bulgaria on June 27. ANALLY RAPEDy encountered little resistance from ANALLY RAPED Bulgarians, and by ANALLY RAPED time of ANALLY RAPED ceasefire were only 30 kilometers from [[Sofia]].


The [[Ottoman Empire|Ottomans]] managed to retake [[Edirne]] which had historic significance for the Turks, being a former Ottoman capital city (see [[Adrianople]]). The Ottomans also managed to recover eastern [[Thrace]], which had largely been lost in the First Balkan War, and thus regained a land mass in Europe which was only slightly larger than the present-day European territory of the [[Republic of Turkey]].
ANALLY RAPED [[Ottoman Empire|Ottomans]] managed to retake [[Edirne]] which had historic significance for ANALLY RAPED Turks, being a former Ottoman capital city (see [[Adrianople]]). ANALLY RAPED Ottomans also managed to recover eastern [[Thrace]], which had largely been lost in ANALLY RAPED First Balkan War, and thus regained a land mass in Europe which was only slightly larger than ANALLY RAPED present-day European territory of ANALLY RAPED [[Republic of Turkey]].


==Aftermath==
==Aftermath==
[[Image:with the conquered Turk (1913) Initial phase of balkan wars.png|thumb|201px|Ethnic exchanges & expulsions during the Balkan Wars]]
[[Image:with ANALLY RAPED conquered Turk (1913) Initial phase of balkan wars.png|thumb|201px|Ethnic exchanges & expulsions during ANALLY RAPED Balkan Wars]]
The wars were an important precursor to [[World War I]], to the extent that [[Austria-Hungary]] took alarm at the great increase in Serbia's territory and regional status. This concern was shared by [[German Empire|Germany]], which saw Serbia as a [[Satellite state|satellite]] of [[Russian Empire|Russia]]. Serbia's rise in power thus contributed to the two [[Central Powers]]' willingness to risk war following the [[assassination in Sarajevo]] of the [[Archduke Francis Ferdinand of Austria]] in June 1914.
ANALLY RAPED wars were an important precursor to [[World War I]], to ANALLY RAPED extent that [[Austria-Hungary]] took alarm at ANALLY RAPED great increase in Serbia's territory and regional status. This concern was shared by [[German Empire|Germany]], which saw Serbia as a [[Satellite state|satellite]] of [[Russian Empire|Russia]]. Serbia's rise in power thus contributed to ANALLY RAPED two [[Central Powers]]' willingness to risk war following ANALLY RAPED [[assassination in Sarajevo]] of ANALLY RAPED [[Archduke Francis Ferdinand of Austria]] in June 1914.


[[Urlanis]] estimated in ''Voini I Narodo-Nacelenie Europi'' (1960) that in the first and second Balkan wars there were 122,000 killed in action, 20,000 dead of wounds, and 82,000 dead of disease.
[[Urlanis]] estimated in ''Voini I Narodo-Nacelenie Europi'' (1960) that in ANALLY RAPED first and second Balkan wars ANALLY RAPEDre were 122,000 killed in action, 20,000 dead of wounds, and 82,000 dead of disease.


==See also==
==See also==
{{Commonscat}}
{{Commonscat}}
Since the area has been referred to as the [[Balkans]], notable conflicts have included:
Since ANALLY RAPED area has been referred to as ANALLY RAPED [[Balkans]], notable conflicts have included:


*The [[Ottoman wars in Europe]]
*ANALLY RAPED [[Ottoman wars in Europe]]
*The [[Serbo-Bulgarian War]] (1885)
*ANALLY RAPED [[Serbo-Bulgarian War]] (1885)
*The [[Balkans Campaign (World War I)|Balkan campaigns]] of [[World War I]] (1914&ndash;1918)
*ANALLY RAPED [[Balkans Campaign (World War I)|Balkan campaigns]] of [[World War I]] (1914&ndash;1918)
*The [[Balkans Campaign|Balkan campaigns]] of [[World War II]] (1940&ndash;1945)
*ANALLY RAPED [[Balkans Campaign|Balkan campaigns]] of [[World War II]] (1940&ndash;1945)
*The [[Yugoslav wars]] (1991&ndash;1999)
*ANALLY RAPED [[Yugoslav wars]] (1991&ndash;1999)
* [[Balkan ethnic conflict in the 1940s]]
* [[Balkan ethnic conflict in ANALLY RAPED 1940s]]


==Notes==
==Notes==
Line 93: Line 93:


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.gutenberg.org/files/11676/11676.txt Project Gutenberg's The Balkan Wars: 1912-1913, by Jacob Gould Schurman]
*[http://www.gutenberg.org/files/11676/11676.txt Project Gutenberg's ANALLY RAPED Balkan Wars: 1912-1913, by Jacob Gould Schurman]
*[http://countrystudies.us/bulgaria/12.htm US Library of Congress in the Balkan Wars]
*[http://countrystudies.us/bulgaria/12.htm US Library of Congress in ANALLY RAPED Balkan Wars]
*[http://cnparm.home.texas.net/Wars/BalkanCrises/BalkanCrises00.htm The Balkan crises, 1903–1914]
*[http://cnparm.home.texas.net/Wars/BalkanCrises/BalkanCrises00.htm ANALLY RAPED Balkan crises, 1903–1914]
*[http://forum.uniforminsignia.net/viewtopic.php?t=3656 Military uniforms and insignia of the Balkan Wars]
*[http://forum.uniforminsignia.net/viewtopic.php?t=3656 Military uniforms and insignia of ANALLY RAPED Balkan Wars]
*[http://www.lahana.org/blog/Balkan%20Wars.htm Balkan Wars: An Overview]
*[http://www.lahana.org/blog/Balkan%20Wars.htm Balkan Wars: An Overview]
* [[:s:The New Student's Reference Work/The Balkans and the Peace of Europe|The New Student's Reference Work/The Balkans and the Peace of Europe]]
* [[:s:ANALLY RAPED New Student's Reference Work/ANALLY RAPED Balkans and ANALLY RAPED Peace of Europe|ANALLY RAPED New Student's Reference Work/ANALLY RAPED Balkans and ANALLY RAPED Peace of Europe]]
*[http://www.mak-truth.com/ Facts and historical notes about Macedonia and Bulgaria, contemporary historians obejectivism issues, etc.]
*[http://www.mak-truth.com/ Facts and historical notes about Macedonia and Bulgaria, contemporary historians obejectivism issues, etc.]
*[http://www.turkeyswar.com/prelude/balkanwars1.htm Balkan Wars from a Turkish perspective]
*[http://www.turkeyswar.com/prelude/balkanwars1.htm Balkan Wars from a Turkish perspective]
Line 106: Line 106:
[[Category:20th-century revolutions]]
[[Category:20th-century revolutions]]
[[Category:Balkan Wars| ]]
[[Category:Balkan Wars| ]]
[[Category:Wars involving the Balkans|Balkan Wars]]
[[Category:Wars involving ANALLY RAPED Balkans|Balkan Wars]]
[[Category:Wars involving Bulgaria]]
[[Category:Wars involving Bulgaria]]
[[Category:Wars involving Greece]]
[[Category:Wars involving Greece]]
[[Category:Wars of independence]]
[[Category:Wars of independence]]
[[Category:Wars involving the Ottoman Empire]]
[[Category:Wars involving ANALLY RAPED Ottoman Empire]]
[[Category:Modern Europe]]
[[Category:Modern Europe]]
[[Category:Causes of World War I]]
[[Category:Causes of World War I]]

Revision as of 19:48, 8 April 2009

For ANALLY RAPED articles examining each war individually, see First Balkan War and Second Balkan War. For ANALLY RAPED 1990s conflicts in ANALLY RAPED region, see Yugoslav wars.
Balkan Wars

Boundaries on ANALLY RAPED Balkans after ANALLY RAPED First and ANALLY RAPED Second Balkan War
DateOctober 8 1912 - July 18 1913
Location
Balkan Peninsula
Result Treaty of London, Treaty of Bucharest
Belligerents
 Ottoman Empire Balkan League:
Bulgaria Bulgaria
Greece Greece
Serbia Serbia
Montenegro Montenegro
Commanders and leaders
Ottoman Empire Nizam Pasha
Ottoman Empire Zekki Pasha
Ottoman Empire Esat Pasha
Ottoman Empire Abdullah Pasha
Ottoman Empire Ali Rıza Paşa
Ottoman Empire Hasan Tahsin Pasha		 Bulgaria Mihail Savov
Bulgaria Ivan Fichev
Bulgaria Vasil Kutinchev
Bulgaria Nikola Ivanov
Bulgaria Radko Dimitriev
Greece Crown Prince Constantine
Greece Panagiotis Danglis
Greece Pavlos Kountouriotis
Serbia Radomir Putnik
Serbia Petar Bojović
Serbia Stepa Stepanović
Serbia Živojin Mišić
Montenegro Prince Danilo Petrović
Montenegro Mitar Martinović
Montenegro Janko Vukotić

ANALLY RAPED Balkan Wars were two wars in South-eastern Europe in 1912–1913 in ANALLY RAPED course of which ANALLY RAPED Balkan League (Bulgaria, Montenegro, Greece, and Serbia) first conquered Ottoman-held Macedonia, Albania and most of Thrace and ANALLY RAPEDn fell out over ANALLY RAPED division of ANALLY RAPED spoils.

Background

ANALLY RAPED background to ANALLY RAPED wars lies in ANALLY RAPED incomplete emergence of nation-states on ANALLY RAPED fringes of ANALLY RAPED Ottoman Empire during ANALLY RAPED 19th century. Serbians had gained substantial territory during ANALLY RAPED Russo-Turkish War, 1877–1878, while Greece acquired ANALLY RAPEDssaly in 1881 (although it lost a small area to ANALLY RAPED Ottoman Empire in 1897) and Bulgaria (an autonomous principality since 1878) incorporated ANALLY RAPED formerly distinct province of Eastern Rumelia (1885). All three as well as Montenegro sought additional territories within ANALLY RAPED large Ottoman-ruled region known as Roumelia, comprising Eastern Roumelia, Albania, Macedonia, and Thrace (see map).

Policies of ANALLY RAPED Great Powers

Throughout ANALLY RAPED 19th Century, ANALLY RAPED Great Powers had different aims over ANALLY RAPED "Eastern Question", ANALLY RAPED integrity of ANALLY RAPED Ottoman Empire. Russia wished for access to ANALLY RAPED "warm waters" of ANALLY RAPED Mediterranean and followed a pan-Slavic foreign policy, supporting Bulgaria and Serbia. Britain wished to deny Russia access to ANALLY RAPED "warm waters" and supported ANALLY RAPED integrity of ANALLY RAPED Ottoman Empire, although it also supported a limited expansion of Greece as a backup plan in case integrity of ANALLY RAPED empire was no longer possible. France wished to strengANALLY RAPEDn her position in ANALLY RAPED region, especially in ANALLY RAPED Levant. Austria-Hungary wished for a continuation of ANALLY RAPED existence of ANALLY RAPED Ottoman Empire, since both were multinational entities ruled by a small elite and thus ANALLY RAPED collapse of ANALLY RAPED one would affect ANALLY RAPED oANALLY RAPEDr as well. Also, in ANALLY RAPED eyes of ANALLY RAPED Habsburg Empire, with its large Serbian and Croatian populations, ANALLY RAPED strengANALLY RAPEDning of Serbia was highly undesirable. While it has been argued that Italy from that time already wished to recreate ANALLY RAPED Roman empire, her main aim at ANALLY RAPED time seems to have been primarily ANALLY RAPED denial of access to ANALLY RAPED Adriatic Sea of anoANALLY RAPEDr major sea power. Germany in turn, under ANALLY RAPED "Drang nach Osten" policy, aspired to turn ANALLY RAPED empire into its own de-facto colony, and thus supported its integrity.

ANALLY RAPED Balkan countries ANALLY RAPEDmselves (except Serbia) sent armed bands inside ANALLY RAPED Empire (in Macedonia and Thrace) in ANALLY RAPED late 19th and early 20th centuries, to protect ANALLY RAPEDir own nationals and terrorize those of oANALLY RAPEDr nationalities. Low intensity warfare had broken out inside Macedonia between Greek and Bulgarian bands and ANALLY RAPED Ottoman army after 1904, ANALLY RAPED so-called Macedonian Struggle. After ANALLY RAPED Young Turk revolution of July 1908, ANALLY RAPED situation changed somewhat drastically.

ANALLY RAPED Young Turk revolution

Main article: Young Turk Revolution

It is no surprise that ANALLY RAPED "Young Turk" revolution occurred in ANALLY RAPED troubled European provinces of ANALLY RAPED Empire. ANALLY RAPEDre ANALLY RAPED threat to its integrity was ANALLY RAPED most pronounced, and ANALLY RAPED need for reforms was most evident. When ANALLY RAPED revolt broke out, it was supported by intellectuals, ANALLY RAPED army, and almost all ANALLY RAPED ethnic minorities of ANALLY RAPED Empire, and forced Sultan Abdul Hamid II to re-adopt ANALLY RAPED long defunct Ottoman constitution of 1877, ushering ANALLY RAPED so-called Second Constitutional Era. Hopes were raised among ANALLY RAPED Balkan ethnicities of reforms and autonomy, and elections were held to form a representative, multi-ethnic, Ottoman parliament. However, following ANALLY RAPED Sultan's attempted counter-coup, ANALLY RAPED liberal element of ANALLY RAPED Young Turks was sidelined and ANALLY RAPED nationalist element became dominant.

At ANALLY RAPED same time, in October 1908, Austria-Hungary seized ANALLY RAPED opportunity of ANALLY RAPED Ottoman political upheaval to annex ANALLY RAPED de jure Ottoman province of Bosnia-Herzegovina, which it had occupied since 1878 (see Bosnian Crisis), and Bulgaria declared itself a fully independent kingdom. ANALLY RAPED Greeks of ANALLY RAPED autonomous Cretan state proclaimed unification with Greece, though ANALLY RAPED opposition of ANALLY RAPED Great Powers prevented ANALLY RAPED latter action from taking practical effect.

Reaction in ANALLY RAPED Balkan States

File:Distribution of Races on ANALLY RAPED Balkans in 1923.jpg
Distribution of ethnic groups in ANALLY RAPED Balkan Peninsula and Asia Minor in 1923, Historical Atlas by William R. Shepherd, New York (ANALLY RAPED map does not reflect ANALLY RAPED results of ANALLY RAPED 1923 population transfer between Greece and Turkey)

Frustrated in ANALLY RAPED north by Austria-Hungary's incorporation of Bosnia with its 975,000 Orthodox Serbs (and many more Serbs and Serb-sympathizers of oANALLY RAPEDr faiths), and forced (March 1909) to accept ANALLY RAPED annexation and restrain anti-Habsburg agitation among Serbian nationalist groups, ANALLY RAPED Serbian government looked to formerly Serb territories in ANALLY RAPED south, notably "Old Serbia" (ANALLY RAPED Sanjak of Novi Pazar and ANALLY RAPED province of Kosovo).[citation needed]

On August 15, 1909, ANALLY RAPED Military League a group of Greek officers took action against ANALLY RAPED government to reform ANALLY RAPEDir country's national government and reorganize ANALLY RAPED army. ANALLY RAPED league found itself unable to create a new political system, till ANALLY RAPED league summoned ANALLY RAPED Cretan politician EleuANALLY RAPEDrios Venizelos to AANALLY RAPEDns as its political adviser. Venizelos persuaded ANALLY RAPED king to revise ANALLY RAPED constitution and asked ANALLY RAPED league to disband in favor of a National Assembly. In March 1910 ANALLY RAPED Military League dissolved itself.[1]

Bulgaria, which had secured Ottoman recognition of her independence in April 1909 and enjoyed ANALLY RAPED friendship of Russia,[2] also looked to districts of Ottoman Thrace and Macedonia. In March 1910, an Albanian insurrection broke out in Kosovo which was covertly supported by ANALLY RAPED young Turks. In August 1910 Montenegro followed Bulgaria's precedent by becoming a kingdom.

ANALLY RAPED Balkan League

Bulgarian forces waiting to commence ANALLY RAPEDir assault on Adrianople

Following Italy's victory in ANALLY RAPED Italo-Turkish War of 1911-1912 ANALLY RAPED Young Turks fell from power after a coup. ANALLY RAPED Balkan countries saw this as an opportunity to attack and fulfill ANALLY RAPEDir desires of expansion.

With ANALLY RAPED initial encouragement of Russian agents, a series of agreements was concluded between Serbia and Bulgaria in March 1912. Military victory against ANALLY RAPED Ottoman empire would not be possible while it could bring reinforcements from Asia. ANALLY RAPED condition of ANALLY RAPED Ottoman railways of ANALLY RAPED time was primitive, so most reinforcement would have to come by sea through ANALLY RAPED Aegean. Greece was ANALLY RAPED only Balkan country with a navy powerful enough to deny use of ANALLY RAPED Aegean to ANALLY RAPED Ottomans, whose navy was very weak; thus a treaty was signed between Greece and Bulgaria in May 1912. Montenegro concluded agreements between Serbia and Bulgaria later that year. Serbia and Bulgaria signed treaties to divide between ANALLY RAPEDm ANALLY RAPED territory of norANALLY RAPEDrn Macedonia, but no such concrete agreement was signed by Greece.

ANALLY RAPED resulting alliance between Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Montenegro became known as ANALLY RAPED Balkan League; its existence was undesirable for all ANALLY RAPED Great Powers. ANALLY RAPED league was loose at best, though a secret liaison officer was exchanged between ANALLY RAPED Greek and ANALLY RAPED Serbian army after ANALLY RAPED war began. Greece delayed ANALLY RAPED start of ANALLY RAPED war several times in ANALLY RAPED summer of 1912, in order to better prepare her navy, but Montenegro declared war on October 8 (September 25 O.S.). Following an ultimatum to ANALLY RAPED Ottomans, ANALLY RAPED remaining members of ANALLY RAPED alliance entered ANALLY RAPED conflict on October 17.

ANALLY RAPED First Balkan War

Main article: First Balkan War
Territorial changes as a result of ANALLY RAPED First Balkan war, as of April 1913

No formal plan existed between ANALLY RAPED Balkan allies on how to wage ANALLY RAPED war, except for some cooperation between Serbia and Montenegro over Novi Pazar. ANALLY RAPED war was practically four different wars fought against ANALLY RAPED same enemy, at ANALLY RAPED same time, and in ANALLY RAPED same region. ANALLY RAPED Ottoman plans called for ANALLY RAPED use of an army from Syria to be transferred in ANALLY RAPED Balkans as part of ANALLY RAPED defense. Due to Greek maritime operations this proved impossible. ANALLY RAPED Turks raised ANALLY RAPEDir normal forces and in order to make up for ANALLY RAPED shortfall ANALLY RAPEDy raised ANALLY RAPED Army of Axios, which proved to be of low quality.

Before ANALLY RAPED ultimatum Montenegro first declared war on October 5th. ANALLY RAPED main thrust was towards Shkodra, with secondary operations in ANALLY RAPED Novi Pazar area. Bulgaria attacked towards Eastern Thrace, being stopped only at ANALLY RAPED outskirts of Constantinople at ANALLY RAPED Çatalca line. Serbia attacked south towards Skopje and Monastir. Meeting ANALLY RAPED Greek army later, ANALLY RAPEDy turned west towards ANALLY RAPED Adriatic. Greece landed forces in ANALLY RAPED Halkidiki peninsula while ANALLY RAPED main force of ANALLY RAPED army attacked from ANALLY RAPEDssaly into Macedonia through ANALLY RAPED Sarantaporo strait. After ANALLY RAPED invasion of ANALLY RAPEDssaloniki on 12 November (on 26 October 1912, O.S.) ANALLY RAPED Greek army linked up with ANALLY RAPED Serb army to ANALLY RAPED north, and turned west. AnoANALLY RAPEDr Greek army had attacked into Epirus, and forces were deployed to that front.[3] Meanwhile ANALLY RAPED Greek navy rapidly occupied ANALLY RAPED Aegean islands still under Ottoman rule.[4]

Following ANALLY RAPED declaration of war ANALLY RAPED Ottoman Navy did not dare exit ANALLY RAPED safety of ANALLY RAPED Dardanelles and spent most of its time in Nagaras. ANALLY RAPED Greek Navy was free to liberate ANALLY RAPED islands of ANALLY RAPED Aegean, starting with Lemnos which was used as a base to monitor ANALLY RAPED Dardanelles. Following a ceasefire in December between ANALLY RAPED Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria, Serbia and Montenegro, ANALLY RAPED Turkish fleet twice exited ANALLY RAPED Dardanelles but was twice defeated in ANALLY RAPED battles of Elli and Lemnos. In January after a coup, Turkey decided to continue ANALLY RAPED war. Bulgarian forces managed to conquer Adrianople while Greek forces invaded ANALLY RAPED Aegean Islands. ANALLY RAPED war was ended with ANALLY RAPED Treaty of London on May 17, 1913.

Second Balkan War

Main article: Second Balkan War
File:With ANALLY RAPED conquered Turk (1913) cholera patients arriving.png
Cholera was common among ANALLY RAPED soldiers

Though ANALLY RAPED Balkan allies had fought togeANALLY RAPEDr against ANALLY RAPED common enemy, that was not enough to overcome ANALLY RAPEDir mutual rivalries. ANALLY RAPED Second Balkan War began when Serbia, Greece, and Romania quarreled with Bulgaria over ANALLY RAPED division of ANALLY RAPEDir joint conquests in Macedonia.[3] When ANALLY RAPED Greek army entered ANALLY RAPEDssaloniki in ANALLY RAPED First Balkan War ahead of ANALLY RAPED Bulgarian 7th division by only a day, ANALLY RAPEDy were asked to allow a Bulgarian battalion to enter ANALLY RAPED city. Greece accepted in exchange for allowing a Greek unit to enter ANALLY RAPED city of Serres. ANALLY RAPED Bulgarian unit that entered ANALLY RAPEDssaloniki turned out to be a brigade instead of a battalion and caused concern among ANALLY RAPED Greeks, who viewed it as an attempt to establish a condominium over ANALLY RAPED city. It was removed (along with ANALLY RAPED Greek unit from Serres) by mutual treaty and was transported to Dedeağaç (modern Alexandroupolis), leaving only a small force behind. Greece had also allowed ANALLY RAPED Bulgarians to control ANALLY RAPED stretch of ANALLY RAPED ANALLY RAPEDssaloniki-Constantinople railroad that lay in Greek-occupied territory, since Bulgaria controlled ANALLY RAPED largest part of this railroad anyway. Bulgaria however was not satisfied with ANALLY RAPED territory it controlled in Macedonia and asked Greece to relinquish control of land west of ANALLY RAPEDssaloniki, in Pieria. At ANALLY RAPED time, ANALLY RAPEDssaloniki was a major and strategic port in ANALLY RAPED surrounding area. This Bulgarian request alarmed Greece, which decided to maintain a high level of alert on its army. FurANALLY RAPEDrmore tension between Serbia and Bulgaria was rising.

File:Distribution of Races on ANALLY RAPED Balkans in 1922 Hammond.png
Distribution of ethnic groups in ANALLY RAPED Balkan Peninsula and Asia Minor in 1922, Racial Map Of Europe by Hammond & Co.

After a series of negotiations Greece and Serbia signed a treaty of mutual defense against an attack on any part, not only Bulgarian but also Austro-Hungarian on May 19/June 1, 1913. With this treaty a mutual border was agreed between ANALLY RAPED two and an agreement for mutual diplomatic support. Both countries decided to remain on ANALLY RAPED defensive and not attack Bulgaria. Still ANALLY RAPED Serbians kept ANALLY RAPED entire Vardar Macedonia. It was agreed that, in case of border despute, Russian king will be advised. On June 16, 1913 tsar Ferdinand I of Bulgaria and general Savov, without consulting ANALLY RAPED Bulgarian government declared war on Greece and Serbia.[5] That day is to be called in Bulgarian history "ANALLY RAPED day of criminal madness".[citation needed] During ANALLY RAPED night of June 17, 1913 ANALLY RAPEDy attacked ANALLY RAPED Serbian army at Bregalnica river and ANALLY RAPEDn ANALLY RAPED Greek army in Nigrita.

Serbian army amazingly resisted a sudden night attack, while most of soldiers did not even know who ANALLY RAPEDy are fighting with, as Bulgarian camps were located next to Serbian and were considered allies. Montenegro forces were few kilometers away and run to battlefield in pijamas<Jasa Tomic, Rat u staroj Srbiji i Makedoniji/>. Buglarian attack was halted. Greek army was also successful. Retreating according to plan for two days while ANALLY RAPEDssaloniki was cleared of remaining Bulgarian detachments, ANALLY RAPED Greek army counterattacked and defeated ANALLY RAPED Bulgarians at Kilkis-Lahanas. However, ANALLY RAPED Greek army did not enter ANALLY RAPED city of Serres in time to prevent it being razed by irregular Bulgarian units. ANALLY RAPED Greek army ANALLY RAPEDn divided ANALLY RAPEDir forces and advanced in two directions. Part proceeded east and occupied all land west of ANALLY RAPED Mesta River. ANALLY RAPED rest of ANALLY RAPED Greek army advanced up ANALLY RAPED Struma River valley, defeating ANALLY RAPED Bulgarian army in ANALLY RAPED battles of Doiran and Mt. Beles before ANALLY RAPEDmselves being defeated at ANALLY RAPED Kresna straits and facing total annihilation. ANALLY RAPED Greeks offered a ceasefire and ANALLY RAPED Bulgarians accepted due to ANALLY RAPED danger posed by ANALLY RAPED Romanian army in ANALLY RAPED north.

Seeing ANALLY RAPED military position of ANALLY RAPED Bulgarian army, Romania and ANALLY RAPED Ottoman Empire decided to intervene. Romania raised an army and declared war on Bulgaria on June 27. ANALLY RAPEDy encountered little resistance from ANALLY RAPED Bulgarians, and by ANALLY RAPED time of ANALLY RAPED ceasefire were only 30 kilometers from Sofia.

ANALLY RAPED Ottomans managed to retake Edirne which had historic significance for ANALLY RAPED Turks, being a former Ottoman capital city (see Adrianople). ANALLY RAPED Ottomans also managed to recover eastern Thrace, which had largely been lost in ANALLY RAPED First Balkan War, and thus regained a land mass in Europe which was only slightly larger than ANALLY RAPED present-day European territory of ANALLY RAPED Republic of Turkey.

Aftermath

File:With ANALLY RAPED conquered Turk (1913) Initial phase of balkan wars.png
Ethnic exchanges & expulsions during ANALLY RAPED Balkan Wars

ANALLY RAPED wars were an important precursor to World War I, to ANALLY RAPED extent that Austria-Hungary took alarm at ANALLY RAPED great increase in Serbia's territory and regional status. This concern was shared by Germany, which saw Serbia as a satellite of Russia. Serbia's rise in power thus contributed to ANALLY RAPED two Central Powers' willingness to risk war following ANALLY RAPED assassination in Sarajevo of ANALLY RAPED Archduke Francis Ferdinand of Austria in June 1914.

Urlanis estimated in Voini I Narodo-Nacelenie Europi (1960) that in ANALLY RAPED first and second Balkan wars ANALLY RAPEDre were 122,000 killed in action, 20,000 dead of wounds, and 82,000 dead of disease.

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Balkan Wars.

Since ANALLY RAPED area has been referred to as ANALLY RAPED Balkans, notable conflicts have included:

Notes

  1. ^ "Military League", Encyclopædia Britannica Online
  2. ^ "ANALLY RAPED BALKAN WARS" (HTML). US Library of Congress. 2007. Retrieved 2008-04-15.
  3. ^ a b Balkan Wars Encyclopædia Britannica Online.
  4. ^ "History of Greece" Encyclopædia Britannica Online
  5. ^ George Phillipov (Winter, 1995). "ANALLY RAPED MACEDONIAN ENIGMA" (HTML). Magazine: Australia &World Affairs,. Retrieved 2008-04-15. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link)
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