USA HISTORY

The Balkans were referred to as the “Powder Keg of Europe” in the period before World War I because of their

(A) manufacturing ability

(B) stockpiles of weapons

(C) ** nationalistic rivalries

(D) economic strength

Concept note-1: -29.2. 3: The Balkan Powder Keg. The continuing collapse of the Ottoman Empire coincided with the rise of nationalism in the Balkans, which led to increased tensions and conflicts in the region. This “powder keg” was thus a major catalyst for the outbreak of World War I.

Concept note-2: -Militarism in the nations of Europe was a major cause of World War I. The Balkan Peninsula was described as “the powder keg of Europe” prior to World War I because of nationalistic rivalries.

Concept note-3: -The area was the leading supplier of military equipment to the rest of the world.

Concept note-4: -The powder keg of Europe or Balkan powder keg was the Balkans in the early part of the 20th century preceding World War I.