Balkanization (COT) essays

Balkanization (COT) essays In 1912 the term Balkanization was coined and describes the region formerly known as the Balkans. It can be defined as a region broken up into smaller and usually hostile units. The region known as the Balkans is where the Slavs meet the Germans, Greeks, and other different ethnic and religious groups. Due to the major ethnic and religious diversity the region has trouble sustaining stability. During the nineteenth century, many changes and conflicts disturbed the Balkan region. In the diplomatic history of the Balkans a change in diplomacy came across the new forces of nationalism and militarism). Rivalries in the Balkans grew after 1878 with the tension between the ethnic groups. The assassination of the Archduke of Austria-Hungary, Franz Ferdinand was the spark that ignited the war that was first between Austria-Hungary and Serbia, yet the tension in the Balkans assisted in creating the energy to the spark. World War I was inevitable in 1914 because of many different reasons. One reason is that both the governments of Austria-Hungary and Serbia believed that their character and veracity were on the line in the international population. For Austrians, a personal attack on the royal family required a strong response, especially if it concerned the Serbs. Another reason is that both governments believed that they were in high favor of winning if the war came. Th e Austrians had the Germans as allies as the Serbs had Russia; neither thought the war would spread across Europe although they all created alliances just to make sure that they had their chances reassured. A further reason is that neither side believed that their divergence could be compromised by negotiation, only one regime could rule. Fourth, each side focused on victory and not the expenses of defeat. Fifth, both governments had little fear of war. Lastly, an essential element of Greek, Serb, and Bulgarian nationalism had always been the eradication of t...