Treaty of London (1913): What Happened
On 30 May 1913, the Treaty of London was signed between the Balkan League and the Ottoman Empire, ending the First Balkan War. Negotiations had begun in London in late 1912 under the supervision of the great powers, but they broke down in early 1913 after a coup in Constantinople brought to power the Young Turks, who wanted to continue fighting. The war resumed, and the Balkan allies captured Adrianople, Ioannina and Shkodër, forcing the Ottomans back to the negotiating table. Under the treaty, the Ottoman Empire gave up almost all its territory in Europe west of a line running from Enos on the Aegean to Midia on the Black Sea, except for Albania. It also gave up its claims to Crete. The great powers would decide the Aegean islands and Albania's borders. The treaty did not decide how the conquered territories would be divided among the allies. Disputes between Bulgaria on one side and Serbia and Greece on the other over Macedonia broke out within weeks, leading to the Second Balkan War.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Treaty of London of 1913?
The Treaty of London, signed on 30 May 1913, ended the First Balkan War between the Balkan League and the Ottoman Empire.
What did the Ottomans lose under the Treaty of London?
The Ottoman Empire gave up almost all its European territory west of a line from Enos to Midia, except for Albania, and gave up its claims to Crete.
What did the Treaty of London not decide?
It did not decide how the conquered lands would be divided among the allies, leaving the Aegean islands and Albania's borders to the Great Powers.
Why did the Treaty of London lead to another war?
Disputes between Bulgaria and Serbia and Greece over Macedonia broke out within weeks, leading to the Second Balkan War.
How did the Treaty of London affect Crete?
By giving up Ottoman claims to Crete, the treaty cleared the way for the island's formal union with Greece in December 1913.
