| Date | November 2016 | Marks available | 20 | Reference code | 16N.3op5a.HL.TZ0.6 |
| Level | Higher level only | Paper | Paper 3 (Aspects of the history of Europe and the Middle East) - last exams 2016) | Time zone | TZ0 |
| Command term | Discuss | Question number | 6 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Discuss the causes of the Balkan Wars of 1912 to 1913.
Markscheme
Candidates are required to offer a considered and balanced review of the reasons why the Balkan Wars of 1912 to 1913 broke out. One approach could be to look at international and domestic causes of these conflicts. Candidates are likely to focus mainly on the causes of the First Balkan War.
Indicative content
- The First Balkan War of 1912 to 1913 saw the Ottoman Empire lose almost all of its remaining European territory after it was defeated by the Balkan League (Serbia, Greece, Montenegro and Bulgaria).
- The Second Balkan War of 1913 occurred when Bulgaria was in dispute with Romania, Greece and Serbia over conquests in Macedonia, with Bulgaria being defeated.
- For international causes of the First Balkan War, the defeat of the Ottoman Empire by Italy in 1911 to 1912 emboldened the Balkan states by underlining the relative weakness of the Ottoman Empire. Russia was also keen to advance its interests in the region and encouraged the formation of the Balkan League. Russia wished to recover its prestige in the region after its
diplomatic setback over the Austro-Hungarian annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (1908/1909). - Domestically, Greece, Bulgaria and Serbia were all relatively new nation states that aimed at territorial expansion while the Ottoman Empire was weakened after its defeat by Italy and by its internal political problems.
- In addition, within the Ottoman Empire’s remaining European provinces, there were a series of uprisings. For example, from March 1910, there was an uprising in Albania against tax collection and military recruitment. There was also an ongoing guerrilla campaign against the Ottomans in Macedonia. Again, this undermined Ottoman power and encouraged the countries
of the Balkan League to take military action. - For causes specific to the Second Balkan War, the rival territorial ambitions of the Balkan League countries plus Romania will probably be the main factor discussed.
The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, the list is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.
Examiners are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.
[20 marks]
Examiners report
[N/A]
