The Balkan Wars of 1912 – 1913 led to the end of Ottoman rule over the largest part of its European territories, as well as to the expansion of the borders of Balkan states. Bulgaria, led by hegemonic tendencies in the Balkans, clashed with Greece and Serbia. The complete collapse of the Bulgarians in the battlefield led to an armistice agreement and the convention of a new peace conference on 10 August 1913 (O.S. 28 July) in Bucharest.

The peace treaty officially ended the Second Balkan War, reshaping the map of Southeastern Europe. The victors, Greece, Serbia, Montenegro, and Romania, imposed their terms on Bulgaria. The treaty was pivotal for Greece, since it incorporated most of Macedonia, including Thessaloniki, Epirus, and many Aegean islands. However, not all Greek demands were met. For Serbia, it signalled its expansion southward, while Romania annexed Southern Dobruja. Bulgaria, on the other hand, lost territory and saw its dreams for hegemony in the Balkans shattered.

In conclusion, although the provisions of the Treaty of Bucharest directly settled the disputes arising from the Second Balkan War, at the same time it created new tensions and resentment. The Balkan countries, despite their territorial expansion, remained fragile entities with unresolved minority and border issues which would soon lead to more widespread conflict.

#ΕλληνικόςΣτρατός, #HellenicArmy