The **First Balkan War** (Serbian: Први балкански рат, Prvi Balkanski rat; Bulgarian: Балканска война; Greek: Αʹ Βαλκανικός πόλεμος; Turkish: Birinci Balkan Savaşı) marked a pivotal period in European history, unfolding from October 1912 to May 1913. This significant conflict pitted the newly formed **Balkan League**, comprising the Kingdoms of Bulgaria, Serbia, Greece, and Montenegro, against the beleaguered **Ottoman Empire**. The primary objective of the League members was to liberate and annex territories in the Balkans still under Ottoman rule, driven by nationalist aspirations and a desire for self-determination for their respective populations.

Initially, the combined armies of the Balkan states, though facing an Ottoman Empire that could eventually mobilize a larger force, achieved remarkably rapid success. The Ottoman armies, strategically disadvantaged and often dispersed across vast territories, were quickly overwhelmed. While the Ottoman Empire possessed a numerically inferior force at the outset of hostilities, it is crucial to note that by the conflict's conclusion, the Ottoman military had managed to field significantly more troops; however, issues such as poor logistics, lack of modern equipment, internal disorganization, and low morale critically hampered their effectiveness against the highly motivated and strategically coordinated Balkan League forces.

Consequences and Geopolitical Shifts

The First Balkan War proved to be a comprehensive and unmitigated disaster for the Ottoman Empire, fundamentally altering the political map of Southeastern Europe. The empire suffered catastrophic territorial losses, ceding approximately 83% of its European territories and losing control over 69% of its European population. Regions such as Macedonia, most of Thrace, Albania, and Kosovo, which had been under Ottoman rule for centuries, were effectively lost.

As a direct result of the war, the Balkan League successfully captured and subsequently partitioned almost all of the Ottoman Empire's remaining territories in Europe. This redistribution of land, however, sowed seeds of future conflict among the victors. One immediate consequence of the war and the ensuing diplomatic pressures from the Great Powers was the creation of an independent **Albania** in November 1912, formalized by the Treaty of London. This development significantly angered Serbia, which had harbored ambitions for an outlet to the Adriatic Sea through Albanian territory and claimed parts of northern Albania and Kosovo.

Meanwhile, **Bulgaria**, which had borne a substantial burden of the fighting and achieved significant territorial gains, became deeply dissatisfied with the final division of spoils, particularly regarding the highly contested region of **Macedonia**. Bulgaria felt it had not received its fair share given its military contributions. This profound discontent led Bulgaria to launch a surprise attack on its former allies, Serbia and Greece, on 16 June 1913, thereby directly provoking the start of the **Second Balkan War**.

The Naval Front: The Battle of Lemnos

While land battles dominated the First Balkan War, naval supremacy in the Aegean Sea was equally crucial. The **Battle of Lemnos** (Greek: Ναυμαχία της Λήμνου; Turkish: Mondros Deniz Muharebesi), fought on 18 January [O.S. 5 January] 1913, represented a critical engagement in this naval struggle. This battle was the second and final major attempt by the Ottoman Navy to break the effective Greek naval blockade of the Dardanelles and reclaim supremacy over the vital Aegean Sea.

The Dardanelles Strait was of immense strategic importance to the Ottoman Empire, serving as the maritime gateway to Constantinople (Istanbul) and connecting the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea. The Greek navy, under the command of Rear Admiral Pavlos Kountouriotis, had previously defeated the Ottoman fleet in the Battle of Elli (December 1912), establishing a blockade that severely restricted Ottoman naval operations. In the Battle of Lemnos, the Ottoman fleet, attempting a renewed breakout, was decisively repelled by the Royal Hellenic Navy.

This engagement, marking the final naval battle of the First Balkan War, forced the Ottoman Navy to retreat definitively to the safety of its base within the Dardanelles. From this point until the end of the war, the Ottoman fleet did not venture out, effectively ensuring the undisputed dominion of the Aegean Sea and its numerous strategic islands by Greece. This Greek naval ascendancy had profound implications, allowing for the unimpeded transport of troops and supplies, preventing Ottoman reinforcement of its Balkan land forces by sea, and solidifying Greece's control over the islands, which would become a permanent part of its territory.

Frequently Asked Questions About the First Balkan War

When did the First Balkan War take place?

The First Balkan War lasted from October 1912 to May 1913.

Which countries were part of the Balkan League?

The Balkan League comprised the Kingdoms of Bulgaria, Serbia, Greece, and Montenegro.

What was the primary outcome of the First Balkan War for the Ottoman Empire?

The Ottoman Empire suffered a catastrophic defeat, losing approximately 83% of its European territories and 69% of its European population, leading to the partition of almost all its remaining European lands by the Balkan League.

Why was Albania created as an independent state?

Albania's independence was a result of the First Balkan War's aftermath and diplomatic intervention by the Great Powers, notably Austria-Hungary and Italy, who sought to prevent Serbia from gaining an Adriatic port and to maintain a balance of power in the region.

What led to the Second Balkan War?

The Second Balkan War erupted primarily due to Bulgaria's dissatisfaction with the division of territories, particularly Macedonia, after the First Balkan War. Bulgaria attacked its former allies, Serbia and Greece, on 16 June 1913.

What was the significance of the Battle of Lemnos?

The Battle of Lemnos was the final and decisive naval engagement of the First Balkan War. The Greek victory ensured their complete naval supremacy in the Aegean Sea, preventing the Ottoman Navy from challenging their control or reinforcing their land forces, and securing Greek dominion over the Aegean islands.