Nationalism and Imperialism

Nationalism: It is a political ideology characterized by the promotion of the interest of a particular Nation and allegiance to Nations. It aims to gain and maintain  sovereignty.

Imperialism : It is an ideology underwhich a strong Nation rules over Weak Nations.

Balkan Region

• The most serious source of nationalist tension in Europe after 1871 was the area called the Balkans.

• The Balkans was a region of geographical and ethnic variation.

• It comprises of modern-day Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, Greece, Macedonia, Croatia Bosnia-Herzegovina, Slovenia  Serbia and Montenegro whose inhabitants were broadly known as Slavs.

• A large part of the Balkans was under the control of the Ottoman Empire.

• Nationalism, aligned with imperialism in the Balkan region led Europe to disaster[First World War] in 1914.

Balkan Tension [Factors/Reasons]

Nationalism

• A large part of Balkans was under the Ottoman Empire and its disintegration created explosive situation.

• Balkan peoples (countries) with the ideas of romantic nationalism and shared history claim their Independence.

•  Greek Independence became an inspiration.

•  One by one its European subject Nationalised broke away from its control and declared independence.

•  They were also jealous of each other has started fighting with adjacent territories to expand their territories.

[Note: The above points are applicable for the reasons of nationalists tensions after 1871 and struggle of Slav nationalities] 

Imperialism

•  Imperialism also intensified the region due to power rivalry between imperial nations.

• Each power - Russia, Germany, England and Austria-Hungary wanted to establish their power and control in the region and started fighting with each other.

•  Due to the intense rivalry among the European powers over trade and colonies as well as naval and military might led to a series of wars and finally the First World War.