First Balkan War: What Happened
From October 1912 to May 1913, Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria and Montenegro, allied in the Balkan League, fought the Ottoman Empire in the First Balkan War. The allies aimed to drive the Ottomans out of their remaining European territories and free the Christian populations living there. Montenegro declared war first, on 8 October 1912, and the other allies followed. The Greek army, led by Crown Prince Constantine, advanced into Macedonia, defeating the Ottomans at Sarantaporo and Giannitsa, and entered Thessaloniki on 26 October 1912. In Epirus, Greek forces besieged and captured Ioannina in February 1913. The Greek navy, led by Admiral Pavlos Kountouriotis aboard the cruiser Georgios Averof, defeated the Ottoman fleet at Elli and Lemnos and took control of the Aegean, freeing islands such as Lesbos, Chios, Samos and Lemnos. It also prevented Ottoman reinforcements from reaching the Balkans by sea. The war ended with the Treaty of London in May 1913. The Ottoman Empire lost nearly all its European territories, and Greece gained southern Macedonia, southern Epirus, Crete and many Aegean islands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the First Balkan War?
The First Balkan War, from October 1912 to May 1913, was fought by Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria and Montenegro against the Ottoman Empire.
What was the Balkan League?
The Balkan League was the alliance of Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria and Montenegro against the Ottoman Empire, helped by the diplomacy of Eleftherios Venizelos.
What did Greece gain in the First Balkan War?
Greece gained southern Macedonia, including Thessaloniki, southern Epirus, including Ioannina, Crete and many Aegean islands such as Lesbos, Chios and Samos.
Who led the Greek army in the First Balkan War?
The Greek army was led by Crown Prince Constantine, and the navy by Admiral Pavlos Kountouriotis aboard the cruiser Georgios Averof.
How did the First Balkan War end?
The war ended with the Treaty of London in May 1913, in which the Ottoman Empire lost nearly all its European territories.
