Second Balkan War: What Happened
In June 1913, only a month after the end of the First Balkan War, the allies went to war with each other over the division of Macedonia. Bulgaria was dissatisfied with the territory it expected to receive and believed it deserved most of Macedonia, including Thessaloniki. Serbia and Greece, which had occupied large parts of the region, had secretly agreed to cooperate against Bulgarian claims. On the night of 29 to 30 June 1913, the Bulgarian army launched surprise attacks on Serbian and Greek positions. The Greek army, led by King Constantine I, counterattacked and defeated the Bulgarians at Kilkis and Lachanas in early July, then advanced into eastern Macedonia and Thrace, taking Serres, Drama and Kavala. Romania and the Ottoman Empire also attacked Bulgaria, which was quickly overwhelmed, and the Ottomans recaptured Adrianople. The war ended with the Treaty of Bucharest in August 1913, under which Bulgaria lost much of what it had gained in the first war. The bitterness it created helped push Bulgaria to join the Central Powers in World War I.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Second Balkan War?
The Second Balkan War was fought in June to August 1913, when Bulgaria attacked its former allies Serbia and Greece over the division of Macedonia.
Why did Bulgaria attack Greece and Serbia?
Bulgaria was unhappy with its share of the conquered lands and believed it deserved most of Macedonia, including Thessaloniki.
What battles did Greece win in the Second Balkan War?
The Greek army defeated the Bulgarians at Kilkis and Lachanas in early July 1913 and advanced into eastern Macedonia, taking Serres, Drama and Kavala.
Who else fought Bulgaria in 1913?
Romania and the Ottoman Empire also attacked Bulgaria. The Ottomans recaptured Adrianople, and Bulgaria was quickly overwhelmed.
What were the effects of the Second Balkan War?
Bulgaria lost much of what it had gained, and its bitterness helped push it to join the Central Powers in World War I.
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