As the power of the Ottoman Turks declined Individual nations, such as: Greece, Montenegro and Serbia had achieved their independence by 1900
Austria Hungary was deeply concerned about th increase in Nationalism within its empire and viewed the newly independent Balkan states as a threat - as Emperor Franz Joseph ruled over a wide range of ethnicities many of whom wanted independence and could look up to the Serbs, Montenegrians and Bulgarians for inspiration
Austria-Hungary's policy was to maintain freindly relationships with Balkan neighbours
Russia saw a useful opportubity to increase its international policy influence
Majority of Russians were Slavs and the majority of Balkan people were Slaves
Russia wanted to set up the newly independent states as client states and ensure long term loyalty to Russia
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Rivalry in the Balkans
Different aims of Russia and Austria-Hungary in the Balkans had already provoked two crises in the late nineteenth centuary
After Russias victory in the Russo-Turkish war in 1878 Russia imposed the Treaty of San Stefano on the Turks - significantly increased Russia's territory and influence in the Balkans = other powers found this unacceptable
An international congress was arranged in Berlin to limit Russia's gains - Treaty of Berlin in 1878 averted conflict between Russia and Austria-Hungary but failed to provide a long-term solution
Treaty of Berlin allowed Austria-Hungary allowed Austria-Hungary to occupy Bosnia and Herzegovina - home to a large number of slavs
Bulgaria had been Russia's most important client state following the Treaty of Berlin
In 1885 the Bulgarians showed their resentment towards the treaty and status as a satelite state of Russia
Alexander of Bulgaria united his country with neighbour, Eastern Rumelia, and forced Russian officials to leave
Tsar Alexander III was furious and forced Prince Alexander to abdicate
Other Great Powers saw a strong Bulgarian state as a useful buffer against further Russian expansionism in the Balkans
Serbia although under Austrian 'protection' that adopted a pro-Russian stance
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