Balkan Wars, 1912–1913

The Balkan Wars of 1912–1913 began when Bulgaria, Serbia, Greece and Montenegro attacked the Ottoman Empire and removed most of its remaining European territory. Victory quickly gave way to conflict among the allies over Macedonia and the division of conquered lands.

In the Second Balkan War Bulgaria attacked Serbia and Greece but was defeated after Romania and the Ottoman Empire also intervened. The settlements expanded Serbia, reduced Bulgaria’s gains and created an independent Albania while leaving minorities and borders bitterly contested.

The wars altered the balance of power immediately before 1914. They strengthened Serbian ambitions, deepened Austro-Hungarian anxiety and produced military and humanitarian experiences that fed directly into the First World War.