Key Facts. The Balkans referred to a cluster of nations in Eastern Europe. It lay between the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian empires. It is considered as one of the causes of the First World War as it was strategically placed and it would help European nations achieve invincibility.

How was Balkan responsible for First World war?

The Balkan states wanted to capture more territories no matter how; this made Balkans a big power rivalry. During this time, the European powers conflicted on trade, colonies, naval and military. ... All these were the examples that made Balkan issues as the major factor responsible for the First World War.

How nationalist tensions in Balkans was responsible for the outbreak of 1st World war?

There was jealousy among the Balkans states and each hoped to expand the boundaries to their land. The ideology of Europe was changed during this period and liberal democratic feelings became a narrow creed with limited ends. There were intolerance towards each other and they were always ready to fight a war.