Romania and the Balkan Wars
Romania and the Balkan Wars

Summary/Abstract: The beginning of the twentieth century represented not only the emergence, affirmationor consolidation of South-Eastern European states, but also the redefining of politics in the Balkan area.For several centuries all the nations in this area regarded the Ottoman Empire as the main enemy in frontof which common action was the only successful opposition attempt. With the power of Istanbul becomingpredominantly nominal, the Balkans became the European area with the most considerable ethnical,religious and political tension. Every nation’s wish to build its own state proved difficult to accomplish,given that certain territories were claimed by two or several parties. The partisan implication of the GreatPowers only amplified and encouraged the conflict that had simmered in this region. The Balkan Wars andthe first World War indisputably confirmed a reality we experience even today, a century after these events.The political alliances were clearly outlined and functioned as long as the involved monarchs understood theEuropean political game rules. Greece’s alliances with Serbia and Romania against Bulgaria immediatelyfound an echo in Russia’s and the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s positions. Romania tried to play themediator role since its status allowed it to keep its neutrality in the first phase of the conflict, and later beinvolved in an alliance which proved to be lasting. Our paper presents the main characteristics of theRomanian external politics during the Balkan Wars, by identifying the transition from the secret agreementwith the Triple Alliance to the approach to Tsarist Russia. The influence of the Royal House of Romaniacould not pass unnoticed, a relevant example being the offer of the Albanian throne to Prince William ofWied, Queen Elisabeth of Romania’s nephew.

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