balcan

Updated: May 4, 2025

Austria-Hungary had no intention whatsoever to shift the balance of power in the Balcan. In answer to our declaration that the German Government desired, and aimed at, a localization of the conflict, both the French and the English Governments promised an action in the same direction. But these endeavors did not succeed in preventing the interposition of Russia in the Austro-Servian disagreement.

University of Oxford. Faculty of Modern History - Why We Are at War (2nd Edition, revised)

Servia has given during the time of the Balcan crisis in numerous cases evidence of her pacific and moderate policy, and it is only owing to Servia and the sacrifices which she has brought in the interest of the peace of Europe that this peace has been preserved.

University of Oxford. Faculty of Modern History - Why We Are at War (2nd Edition, revised)

It could only do this because it believed itself supported in its intentions by Russia. Russia soon after the events brought about by the Turkish revolution of 1908, endeavored to found a union of the Balcan states under Russian patronage and directed against the existence of Turkey.

University of Oxford. Faculty of Modern History - Why We Are at War (2nd Edition, revised)

One day it seemed to me that our path was a little more rugged than usual, and I found that I was deserving for myself the title of Sabalkansky, or “Transcender of the Balcan.” The truth is, that, as a military barrier, the Balcan is a fabulous mountain.

Alexander William Kinglake - Eothen, or, Traces of Travel Brought Home from the East

It was the idea that Servia should cede to Bulgaria those parts of Macedonia which it had received during the last Balcan war, in exchange for Bosnia and the Herzegovina which were to be taken from Austria. To oblige Bulgaria to fall in with this plan it was to be isolated, Roumania attached to Russia with the aid of French propaganda, and Servia promised Bosnia and the Herzegovina.

University of Oxford. Faculty of Modern History - Why We Are at War (2nd Edition, revised)

According to the idea of the Russian statesmen a new Balcan union under Russian patronage should be called into existence, headed no longer against Turkey, now dislodged from the Balcan, but against the existence of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy.

University of Oxford. Faculty of Modern History - Why We Are at War (2nd Edition, revised)

Impelled by force of circumstance, Austria-Hungary must have a guaranty for continued amicable relations with Servia. It was far from him to intend to bring about a change in the balance of powers in the Balcan. The Charge d'affaires who had received no instructions from St. Petersburg, took the discussion of the Secretary "ad referendum" with the promise to submit it immediately to Sasonow.

University of Oxford. Faculty of Modern History - Why We Are at War (2nd Edition, revised)