USA HISTORY

Why were the Balkans referred to as the “Powder Keg of Europe” in the period prior to World War I?

(A) Because of the large deposits of saltpeter and sulfur in the region

(B) Because of the manufacturing ability of the nations in the region

(C) ** Because of the nationalistic rivalries that existed in the region

(D) Because of the vast stockpiles of weapons in the region

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.