scoresvideos

🧆history of the middle east – 1800 to present review

key term - Treaty of San Stefano

Citation:

Definition

The Treaty of San Stefano was a peace agreement signed on March 3, 1878, between the Russian Empire and the Ottoman Empire following the Russo-Turkish War (1877-1878). It aimed to address the Eastern Question by significantly expanding Russian influence in the Balkans and establishing a large Bulgarian state, which raised concerns among other European powers and set the stage for future conflicts in the region.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The Treaty resulted in the creation of a significant Bulgarian principality, which alarmed neighboring countries and contributed to rising tensions in the Balkans.
  2. One of the treaty's clauses granted Russia control over territories like Bessarabia, enhancing its influence in Eastern Europe.
  3. The treaty faced backlash from other European nations, particularly Britain and Austria-Hungary, who feared Russian dominance in the region.
  4. The discontent with the Treaty of San Stefano ultimately led to the Congress of Berlin, where major European powers negotiated new boundaries and reduced Bulgaria's size.
  5. The treaty marked a pivotal moment in the decline of Ottoman power and highlighted the growing role of nationalism in shaping modern Europe.

Review Questions

  • How did the Treaty of San Stefano reflect the geopolitical interests of Russia and its impact on Balkan nationalism?
    • The Treaty of San Stefano showcased Russia's ambition to expand its influence in Southeast Europe by establishing a large Bulgarian state, which resonated with nationalist sentiments among various ethnic groups in the Balkans. This alignment between Russian goals and Balkan nationalism fostered a sense of empowerment among these groups, as they saw an opportunity to pursue independence from Ottoman rule. However, this also stirred anxieties among other European powers who feared that Russian expansion would disrupt the balance of power in the region.
  • Discuss the reaction of European powers to the Treaty of San Stefano and its implications for international relations at that time.
    • The reaction to the Treaty of San Stefano was one of significant concern among major European powers. Britain and Austria-Hungary, feeling threatened by Russia's newfound influence over Bulgaria and its territorial gains, opposed the treaty. Their collective unease led to calls for a diplomatic gathering at the Congress of Berlin, where they sought to curtail Russian ambitions by revising the treaty's terms. This situation marked a crucial shift in international relations, as it highlighted the increasing rivalry among European powers regarding territorial control and balance.
  • Evaluate how the Treaty of San Stefano contributed to long-term instability in the Balkans and influenced future conflicts in Europe.
    • The Treaty of San Stefano set off a chain reaction that led to long-term instability in the Balkans by creating an enlarged Bulgarian state that many neighboring countries resented. The subsequent revisions at the Congress of Berlin left unresolved nationalistic aspirations among various ethnic groups, which continued to simmer beneath the surface. This unresolved tension contributed to future conflicts, including the Balkan Wars and World War I, as nationalist movements intensified and drew in outside powers eager to assert their influence over the region. The treaty thus played a pivotal role in reshaping not just Balkan politics but also altering broader European dynamics.