Why an international conference was needed in 1878

The congress of Berlin. Meet to prevent imbalance of power

after territorial shifts.

Background

• Napoleon fought many wars until 1814. • 5 nations ultimately determined what would

be the “new order”.• Conservative• Crush liberal rebellions.• Kings (legitimate rulers)

“Concert of Europe”

Meanwhile

Italy unifies during 1860s

Germany unifies during 1860s

A new picture after 1870

• Success inspires ethnic nationalism in the Balkans

• Pan-Slavism (a trans nationalism) brings russia in.

• Russians at gates of Istanbul.• HELP!!!

The congress of Berlin 1878

• Gifts and shifts all around• Who gets what?• Winners and losers

Ottoman losses

• OTTOMAN EMPIRE: THE SICK MAN OF EUROPE

• IS WEAKER STILL

Only Germany doesn’t attack Ottomans:

• Peace until the next crisis.

• At some point, they choose war rather than conferences/”Congresses”.