The Ottoman Empire was unable to reform itself, govern satisfactorily, or deal with the rising ethnic nationalism of its diverse peoples.

The Great Powers quarreled amongst themselves and failed to ensure that the Ottomans would carry out the needed reforms.

Causes of Conflict in the Balkan Area after 1871

The Balkan area experienced several conflicts after 1871 due to various factors. Here are three significant causes of conflict in the region:

1. Nationalism and Ethnic Tensions:
The rise of nationalism and the presence of multiple ethnic groups within the Balkans created a volatile environment. The region was characterized by a complex mosaic of different ethnicities, including Serbs, Croats, Bosniaks, Albanians, Bulgarians, and Greeks, among others. These ethnic groups often had conflicting aspirations for self-determination and territorial expansion, leading to tensions and conflicts.

- Nationalist sentiments fueled by ideas of self-determination and the desire to create independent nation-states led to conflicts between different ethnic groups. For example, the emergence of Serbian nationalism and the desire to unite all Serbs into a single state known as "Greater Serbia" created tensions with neighboring countries and ethnic groups.
- The Ottoman Empire's decline also contributed to ethnic tensions as various groups sought to assert control over territories with significant ethnic populations. This led to conflicts between different ethnic groups and the Ottoman Empire itself.

2. Territorial Disputes and Competition:
Territorial disputes and competition for control over strategic regions were another major cause of conflict in the Balkans. The region's geographical location made it a crucial crossroad between Europe and Asia, creating significant strategic value.

- The struggle for territorial control was often driven by economic interests, access to resources, and geopolitical considerations. This competition led to conflicts and power struggles between different countries and ethnic groups.
- For instance, the Balkan Wars of 1912-1913 were primarily fought over territorial disputes between the Balkan League (Serbia, Greece, Bulgaria, and Montenegro) and the Ottoman Empire. These conflicts resulted in the redrawing of borders and the creation of new nation-states.

3. Great Power Politics and Imperial Ambitions:
The involvement of Great Powers in Balkan affairs and their imperial ambitions also fueled conflict in the region. The competing interests of major European powers, including Austria-Hungary, Russia, and later Germany, often clashed, leading to instability and conflict.

- Austria-Hungary, seeking to maintain its influence and prevent the rise of Serbian nationalism, imposed strict control over Bosnia and Herzegovina, which had a significant Serb population. This created tensions between Austria-Hungary and Serbia and eventually contributed to the outbreak of World War I.
- The rivalry between Russia and Austria-Hungary for influence in the Balkans further exacerbated tensions. Russia, as the protector of Slavic populations, sought to counter Austrian influence and expand its own sphere of influence.

In conclusion, the causes of conflict in the Balkan area after 1871 were multifaceted, including nationalism and ethnic tensions, territorial disputes, and competition, as well as the involvement of Great Powers with their own imperial ambitions. These factors created a volatile environment in which conflicts often arose, leading to significant political and territorial changes in the region.