Posted on 02/25/2025 8:42:02 AM PST by BenLurkin
The Balkan Peninsula... by the early 20th century, the Ottoman Empire was in steep decline. This decline fueled nationalist movements in the Balkans, where various ethnic groups sought independence or territorial expansion.
Countries like Serbia, Greece, Bulgaria, and Montenegro, which had gained independence or autonomy in the previous century, aspired to expand their territories further, often at the expense of their neighbors and the Ottoman Empire. These aspirations were driven by both nationalistic fervor and the desire to control strategic territories like Macedonia, a region with a highly diverse population.
In response to these growing tensions, the Balkan League—a coalition of Serbia, Greece, Bulgaria, and Montenegro—was formed in 1912. Their primary goal was to drive the Ottoman Empire out of Europe once and for all.
The First Balkan War began in October 1912, when the Balkan League launched a coordinated attack on the Ottoman Empire. Despite its weakened state, the Ottoman Empire still controlled large swathes of territory in the Balkans, including Macedonia and Albania. The Balkan League, driven by a shared desire to claim these territories, quickly overwhelmed Ottoman forces.
The Balkan League’s success was swift and decisive. Key battles, such as the Siege of Adrianople and the Battle of Kumanovo, saw the Balkan forces pushing the Ottomans out of much of their remaining European territory. By May 1913, the Ottoman Empire had lost almost all of its European holdings, with the exception of a small area around Istanbul.
The war officially ended with the signing of the Treaty of London in May 1913. The treaty redrew the map of the Balkans, with much of the Ottoman territory being divided among the Balkan League members. However, this victory soon gave way to new conflicts...
(Excerpt) Read more at hyperhistory.org ...
> By May 1913, the Ottoman Empire had lost almost all of its European holdings, with the exception of a small area around Istanbul. <
Fun fact: After the Ottoman Empire’s defeat in WW1, the Allies occupied Constantinople (as Istanbul was known in the West).
The Allies withdrew in 1923. Perhaps they should have kept it. That wouldn’t have been easy as the population was overwhelmingly Turkish…but maybe it was worth a try.
After all, to the victor goes the spoils.
Anyway - we are still rushing into balkanization. And I'm thinking that might be OK.
Correct. And the issues that divided the US then are exponentially increased these days.
Here are just a few reasons why Balkanization might occur.
Key aspects of American balkanization include:
Regional divisions: The country could split along geographical lines, with different regions developing distinct political and economic systems.
Cultural rifts: Deep-seated cultural differences between various parts of the country could lead to increased hostility and separation.
Weakened federal government: A balkanized America would likely see a significant reduction in federal power, with more authority shifting to regional, state, and local governments.
Economic disparities: Some regions or newly formed states might thrive economically, while others struggle, potentially exacerbating existing inequalities.
Isolationism: A balkanized United States might withdraw from global affairs, focusing instead on internal issues and regional interests.
Security concerns: Increased terrorism and illegal immigration fears could contribute to the fragmentation process.
link to above referenced points.....
https://www.perplexity.ai/search/what-is-the-balkanization-of-a-7MH2VmzlTbqEhZCc5BZulA
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