To what extent was Balkan nationalism a significant cause of the First World War?

Candidates are required to consider the view that Balkan nationalism was a major cause of war. While other factors will be considered to provide context, the focus of the response must be on Balkan nationalism. When discussing this issue, candidates may refer to the long-term decline of the Ottoman Empire leading to nationalist aspirations and resentment of Austro–Hungarian rule in Bosnia–Herzegovina, which eventually contributed to the outbreak of war. On the other hand, candidates could also argue that the impact of Balkan nationalism could have been limited to a possible third Balkan War if other factors had not intervened. Other factors that turned a Balkan conflict into a wider war may include the alliance system, the “blank cheque”, Russia’s decision to mobilize and, arguably, Britain’s failure to clarify its position if Germany attacked France. Some may argue that German nationalism was more significant than Balkan nationalism.