jjares reviewed The Balkan Wars: A Captivating Guide to the First and Second Balkan War and Their Impact on World War I on + 3278 more book reviews
Because European nations weren't major players in the Balkan Wars, we know less about them. Essentially, because these two wars did not resolve things, they led to World War I. Religion, languages, ethnic groups, and political domination have been essential factors in the Balkans. This is the story of fascinating and very old peoples who fought, merged, and created new countries over the centuries.
This book is an excellent explanation of the prelude to World War I, with the decline of the Ottoman Empire. Nationalism was a growing interest in all of the Balkan lands. Regions wanted to solidify their ethnic and religious boundaries with their own country. However, the Turks were not budging. The author was clear in offering the three main reasons for the failure of the Balkan Alliance. The only country with nationalistic notions that became true was Turkey. Although they lost all of their European possessions, they did become a unified country.
Sometimes, my eyes glaze over with war explanations, but this author was clear with explanations and tactics. The author also told the changes in the Balkan Peninsula after the world wars. Thus, the reader can see how the desires leading to the two Balkan Wars generally went unachieved.
This book is an excellent explanation of the prelude to World War I, with the decline of the Ottoman Empire. Nationalism was a growing interest in all of the Balkan lands. Regions wanted to solidify their ethnic and religious boundaries with their own country. However, the Turks were not budging. The author was clear in offering the three main reasons for the failure of the Balkan Alliance. The only country with nationalistic notions that became true was Turkey. Although they lost all of their European possessions, they did become a unified country.
Sometimes, my eyes glaze over with war explanations, but this author was clear with explanations and tactics. The author also told the changes in the Balkan Peninsula after the world wars. Thus, the reader can see how the desires leading to the two Balkan Wars generally went unachieved.
