What started the First Balkan War in 1912?

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The First Balkan War (1912–1913) was primarily driven by the desire of the Balkan League—an alliance of Bulgaria, Serbia, Greece, and Montenegro—to expel the Ottoman Empire from the Balkans and seize control of Macedonia.12

The conflict originated from deep-seated discontent among Christian nationalities in Macedonia regarding the centralist policies of the Young Turks, who had come to power following the 1908 revolution. These policies denied concessions to local populations, fueling nationalist resistance and organized insurgencies.2

International factors also played a critical role. The Balkan states recognized that the Ottoman Empire was weakened by its ongoing war with Italy, providing a strategic opportunity for intervention. Furthermore, the alliance was formed under Russian auspices, partly to counter growing Austrian influence in the region. Hostilities officially began on October 8, 1912, when Montenegro declared war on the Ottoman Empire, with the other league members following 10 days later.21