Geopolitics and Markets Review – 15th April 2024

The Rise of Balkan Nationalism – Part 1

Contents

1. Introduction

2. The First and Second Serbian Uprising

3. The Wallachian Uprising of 1821

4. The Rebirth of Greece – Greek War of Independence – Treaty of Adrianople

5. Albanian National Awakening (1830-1839)

6. Bosnian Uprisings (1831-1833, 1834, 1836)

7. Other Wars Outside Ottoman Territory

8. Concluding Remarks

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Bitesize Edition

• The Ottomans were in decline, and superpowers surrounding them were seeking to control and influence the empire. The empire was showing weakness on a global stage but was also breaking down from within.

• The Russians were supporting many of these uprisings, starting with the First Serbian Uprising, closely followed by the Second. The first saw the Serbs gain de-facto independence. The second saw them lose it. But the seeds were sewn amongst the Balkans.

• Another region impacted by the Russo-Turkish War of 1806-1812 was Wallachia. This marked the rise of Romanian nationalism. The Greek War of Independence saw the first success of a state that gained independence. The Treaty of Adrianople also saw Serbia and Romanian principalities gain semi-autonomy.

• The trend is clear. Ottoman weakness is providing a platform for these nations we now know in the present day, to rise up and feel represented. There are plenty more examples of this occurring throughout the 19th century. Find out more below.

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Introduction

It was clear during the Russo-Turkish War of 1806-1812 that the Ottomans were clinging to the power they possessed at the time. When an empire collapses, it can be challenged by a rising power. This is the idea behind Thucydides Trap. But what occurs when an empire collapses from within? The disadvantage of seeking to control one huge bloc is if a culture or previously existing nation feels unrepresented when the opportunity to revolt, rebel, or rise presents itself, they will likely take it. Many countries in the Balkans took such an opportunity in a period known as the Rise of Balkan Nationalism in the 19th century, starting with the First Serbian Uprising.