Key European Events 1875-1900
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Events to 1900

• The Balkan Revolt (1875)
• A revolt against Ottoman rule (in Bosnia and Herzegovina which spread to other part of the O.E.)
• Russia ‘bought’ A.-H. neutrality with the promise that A.H. would receive Bosnia and Herzegovina and that no large Slav state would be set up. As a result Russia intervened and defeated the Turks.
• The Turks had to accept the Treaty of San Stefano (1878) by which Bulgarian became independent (with Russian occupation for two years) and Serbia, Montenegro, and Romania gained independence. (there was no mention of Bosnia/Herzegovina.)
• The Congress of Berlin (1878) — which modified the Treaty of San Stefano
• Bulgaria reduced in size
• A.H. to occupy Bosnia/Herzegovina
• Russia kept southern Bessarabia, Kars, and Batum
• Britain gained Cyprus
• Britain guaranteed Turkey’s Asiatic frontiers / declared her right to send a fleet through the straights. (moves against Russia)
• Results of the Congress:
• Diplomatic defeat for Russia (smaller Bulgaria / British right to enter the Black Sea / now her success against the Turks did not only benefit herself)
• Defeat for A.H. (failed to preserve the O.E. / the gain of Bosnia/Herzegovina was to sow the seeds of future disaster)
• Bismarck had prevented war between the major powers, but had sided against Russia and as a result Russia turned to France in search of a more reliable ally.
• The Nationalities of the Balkans were disappointed (this meant further conflict in the region)
• After the congress diplomatic relationships began to form rival alliances (which formed the basis for sides in WWI)