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The Second Balkan War

Introduction

The Second Balkan War erupted on June 16, 1913, when Bulgaria, dissatisfied with the outcomes of the First Balkan War, launched an attack against its former allies, Serbia and Greece. Bulgaria's discontent stemmed from its perceived inadequate territorial gains, influenced by prior agreements and the expansionist policies of its neighbors.

Background

The First Balkan War, which began in October 1912, saw the Balkan League—comprising Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro, and Greece—successfully expel the Ottoman Empire from most of its European territories, leaving it only with East Thrace. The Treaty of London, signed on May 30, 1913, formalized these gains and established an independent Albania. However, the division of the spoils, particularly in Macedonia, soon led to disputes among the Balkan allies. A secret agreement between Serbia and Bulgaria from March 13, 1912, had outlined their future borders, designating northern Macedonia as a disputed zone to be arbitrated by Russia. Post-war developments saw Serbia and Greece encroach on Bulgarian-claimed territories, exacerbating tensions. Bulgaria's demands for Serbia to honor their prewar agreements over northern Macedonia were met with refusal, as Serbia was unwilling to compromise due to its own territorial losses. This refusal intensified the conflict, leading to minor clashes. In response, Serbia and Greece formalized their alliance on May 19/June 1, 1913, pledging mutual support against Bulgaria or Austria-Hungary. This alliance drew Greece into the dispute and led Bulgaria to seek a temporary agreement with Greece regarding territorial boundaries. Additionally, tensions with Romania arose as Bulgaria refused to cede the fortress of Silistra, leading to threats of military action. Although arbitration by Russia resolved this dispute, it further strained Bulgaria's relations with Russia and Romania. By mid-1913, Bulgaria, under Tsar Ferdinand, decided to attack Serbia and Greece to secure additional territory before facing potential interventions from the Great Powers.

Course of the war

On June 29-30, 1913, Bulgaria, under King Ferdinand, launched a series of attacks on Serbian and Greek positions in Macedonia. The Bulgarian forces, bolstered by their initial surprise, aimed to secure strategic advantages. The Bulgarian 2nd Army, commanded by General Ivanov, was positioned in southern Macedonia and had prepared strong defensive positions. However, the Bulgarian assault faced immediate and effective resistance. The Greek Army, commanded by King Constantine I, and the Serbian armies, commanded by Crown Prince Alexander, responded quickly to the Bulgarian aggression. The Greek and Serbian forces, despite initial setbacks, managed to regroup and launch counterattacks. By July 2, the Serbian 1st and 3rd Armies had driven a significant wedge into the Bulgarian line. Greek reinforcements bolstered the defensive efforts, and the Bulgarian advance began to falter. The Bulgarians struggled to maintain their momentum, and by July 10, the offensive had effectively stalled. The Serbians, pushing from the northwest, captured key Bulgarian positions along the Bregalnica River, and the Greeks advanced from the south. The situation deteriorated further when Romania entered the war on July 11. Romania, seeking to expand its territory and balance the regional power dynamics, declared war on Bulgaria and rapidly mobilized its forces. Romanian troops, commanded by General Ioan Culcer, crossed into southern Dobruja, which they had coveted for its strategic value and to enhance their Black Sea coastline. The Romanians advanced with little resistance, and their forces captured key positions, including the city of Ferdinand on July 18 and Vratsa on July 20. By July 23, Romanian forces had reached the outskirts of Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital, effectively isolating it and putting immense pressure on the Bulgarian government. Simultaneously, the Ottoman Empire, which had been reeling from its losses in the First Balkan War, saw an opportunity to reassert its dominance. The Ottomans, under the command of Ahmed Izzet Pasha, launched an invasion of Eastern Thrace on July 12. The Ottomans recaptured Edirne (formerly Adrianople) on July 23 after the Bulgarians initially abandoned it on July 19. The Ottoman invasion extended beyond the old border, with Turkish troops capturing Yambol on July 25, adding to the Bulgarian plight. The Bulgarians faced a severe strategic crisis as they contended with simultaneous attacks from the Greeks, Serbs, Romanians, and Ottomans. The Greek Army, after pushing through the Kresna Pass and capturing critical locations such as Simitli and Gorna Dzhumaya by late July, continued its advance into Western Thrace. Despite logistical difficulties and exhaustion, the Greek forces managed to maintain pressure on the Bulgarian lines, forcing a retreat.

Peace negotiations

Unable to withstand the combined pressure from the allied armies and the Ottomans, Bulgaria sought to negotiate peace by July 30, 1913. Peace talks began in Bucharest, with representatives from Serbia, Montenegro, Greece, Romania, and Bulgaria. They agreed on a five-day armistice starting July 31. Notably, Romania excluded the Ottomans from the talks, forcing Bulgaria to negotiate separately with them. During the Bucharest negotiations, Bulgaria had already consented to cede Southern Dobruja to Romania on July 19. Romania, having achieved its main objective, pushed for a more moderate settlement. Bulgaria aimed to retain the Vardar River as its boundary in Macedonia, but Serbia, under pressure from Austria-Hungary and Russia, agreed to a compromise. Serbia retained most of northern Macedonia but conceded the town of Štip to Bulgaria. Despite Bulgaria's claims to Kavala, the port was awarded to Greece due to the influence of Germany and France, while Bulgaria retained the less developed port of Dedeagac (Alexandroupoli). The Treaty of Bucharest, signed on August 10, 1913, divided Macedonia into three parts: Vardar Macedonia to Serbia, Pirin Macedonia to Bulgaria, and Aegean Macedonia to Greece. The treaty resulted in significant territorial expansions for the signatory countries: Bulgaria increased its territory by 16%, Romania by 5%, Montenegro by 62%, Greece by 68%, and Serbia nearly doubled its territory.

Subsequent treaties

Montenegro’s interests in the Sanjak of Novi Pazar were further solidified through a subsequent treaty with Serbia in Belgrade on November 7, 1913. The Treaty of Constantinople, signed on September 30, 1913, between Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire, concluded the war between them. The Ottomans had established a provisional government in Western Thrace, pressuring Bulgaria into negotiations. Bulgaria was forced to cede Kırk Kilise (Lozengrad) while exchanging Orthodox Bulgarians from Ottoman Thrace for Muslims from Bulgarian Thrace. By November 14, 1913, Greece and the Ottomans signed a treaty in Athens, formally ending hostilities. Serbia restored relations with the Ottoman Empire in March 1914, reaffirming earlier agreements. Montenegro did not sign a separate treaty with the Ottomans.

Aftermath

The Second Balkan War significantly reshaped the geopolitical landscape of the Balkans, contributing to shifting alliances and heightened tensions that would eventually lead to World War I. Serbia emerged as the most powerful Balkan state but faced criticism for its treatment of non-Serb populations in newly acquired territories, leading to reports of oppression and violence. Greece's gains were limited to Serres and Kavala, with significant losses elsewhere, including Northern Epirus to Albania. The war's impact also shifted Serbia's focus northward, leading to its confrontation with Austria-Hungary over Bosnia-Herzegovina, which later played a role in igniting World War I.

Test your knowledge

Which event preceded the outbreak of the Second Balkan War?

3

Which country declared war on Bulgaria on July 11, 1913?

1

What was the main territorial outcome of the Treaty of Bucharest for Bulgaria?

1

Which treaty concluded the conflict between Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire?

2

What significant event occurred on July 23, 1913?

3

References

International Encyclopedia of the First World War

Britannica

Wikipedia