After years of political tensions and ethnic conflicts, the countries of the Balkan peninsula (Serbia, Greece, Bulgaria, Montenegro) decided in 1912 to unite against the Ottoman Empire which was lurched by interior uprests. Their goal was the liberation of their enslaved fellow-countrymen and the claim of their national interests, concerning mainly the territories of Macedonia and Thrace. The cooperation of these countries caused the dynamic reaction of the Ottoman Empire, which proceeded to the immediate reinforcement of the border garrisons and movement of forces to Macedonia and Thrace.

In response, the Balkan states called a general mobilization, with Montenegro declaring war against the Ottoman Empire, known as the 1st Balkan War. Serbia and Bulgaria joined the war on 4 October, whereas the next day Greece followed. During the first days, the Greek forces started attacks towards Thessaloniki, achieving their first important victory in the battle of Sarantaporos. The Serbian army occupied the lands around Kosovo, while the Bulgarians attacked from the east.

The force of the Allies totaled 690,000 men and the force the Turks 345,000. The war evolved quickly in a series of important battles, with the Balkan countries achieving great victories against the Ottomans. Its start marked a critical turning-point in the history of the Balkan peninsula and constituted the forerunner of great changes in the region, preparing the ground for the geopolitical changes that would follow.

#ΕλληνικόςΣτρατός, #HellenicArmy