Why did nationalist tensions emerge in the Balkans?

Nationalist tensions emerged in the Balkans because of ethnic diversity, decline of the Ottoman Empire, and competing interests of European powers.

The Balkans is a region in Southeast Europe with countries like Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece, and Bosnia. It has many ethnic and religious groups. In the 19th and early 20th century, nationalism grew among these groups who wanted independence from Ottoman rule. At the same time, big powers like Austria-Hungary and Russia wanted influence in the region. This led to conflicts and wars.

Main reasons for tensions

• Ethnic diversity – Many groups like Slavs, Greeks, and Albanians wanted their own nations.
• Decline of Ottoman Empire – As the empire weakened, different groups fought for independence.
• Foreign involvement – European powers supported different groups for political advantage.
• Nationalist ideas – Spread of nationalism encouraged people to demand self-rule.

These tensions eventually contributed to the outbreak of World War I after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo in 1914.