As with any war, there is always minor incidents (kindling) which accumulate prior to the main cause (match) which results in a blazing war. The Balkan Wars of 1912-13 are no exception. Disregarding the Ottoman Empire's troubles in other regions, the Turkish problems in the Balkan Peninsula intensified during the 1800s. The Greek success in obtaining independence in the 1820s-30s produced a thorn that would remain in the Turkish side for a long time. The Crimean War ended in a virtual stalemate.

Then the Russo-Turkish War of 1877 ended with a defeat that produced more countries, for the Turks to contend. During both the Crimean War and the Russo-Turkish War, ethnic Greeks rose in revolt and provided serious threats to the Turkish garrisons in the Balkans. The following timeline is intended to provide the reader additional insight on the conditions of the region and maybe even some scenario ideas for the gamer.

Prelude to the Balkan Wars

A Timeline
1854-1896
Greco-Turkish War of 1897
Macedonian Revolt 1903-08
First and Second Balkan Wars of 1912 and 1913