By: Rachel Hinds, Sam Sockriter, Justin Clement, and Aiden Kiefer Balkans Campaign By: Rachel Hinds, Sam Sockriter, Justin Clement, and Aiden Kiefer

Importance of the Balkans Front in World War I Gavrilo Princip (Serbian student) assassinated the heir to the throne in Austria-Hungary, Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife. On July 28, 1914, Austria-Hungary declared war against Serbia and started shelling its capital. This assassination was the powder keg of Europe just waiting to explode Artists rendering of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary

The First Invasion of Serbia The First Invasion of Serbia began on October 8th, 1912. Before allies could join in the Ottomans declared war on the Balkan League on October 17th, 1912. Then there were changes for Balkan status after the Young Turk Revolution of 1908. Bulgaria then declared independence and Austria annexed Bosnia-Herzegovina which left the Ottoman Empire to only have control of Thrace, Macedonia, and Abania. With the Ottoman Empire at war with Italy over Libya the Balkan League was formed with Russia’s help. Then in March 1912, Bulgaria and Serbia joined alliances in the Balkan League and they mobilized their armies. The Ottoman Empire the concluded peace on Italy and declared war against the Balkan allies to take over more land. The Balkan allies became victorious and in Thrace the Bulgarains defeated the Ottomans.

Battle of Cer The battle of Cer, between Austria Hungary and Serbia in august 15th through the 24th of August 1914. It took place near Cer mountain there were many towns in the area including the town of Šabac. They battled over controlling the towns in the area. Šabac was the town where most of the fighting took place. On august 24th is when the Austrian Hungarians fled in fear while doing so, many of their soldiers drowned in the Drina river. Ultimately resulting in a Serbian victory. The Serbians lost 3,000-5,000 soldiers and 15,000 were wounded The Austrian Hungarians lost 6,000-10,000 men and 30,000 were wounded and 4,500 were captured

The Battle of Jadar I The battle of Jadar was one of the first battles on the Balkans front. Austria-Hungary launched an invasion on Serbia on August 12, 1914. The Austro-Hungarians crossed the Jadar river to access the capital of serbia, Belgrade. The Austro-Hungarians outnumbered the Serbian army, but the Serbian army was trained better and pushed The Austro-Hungarians back across the river. The battle lasted from August 12, 1914 to August 21, 1914.

New technology used on the balkan front Technology in Serbia and Austria- Hungary was not as advanced as the British or the Germans. Fighting mostly took place on the battlefield and in trenches which led to the invention of a Trench Mortar. A trench mortar launches explosive shells on the enemy while being able to keep cover from inside of a trench. Serbian trench mortar shown right

Casualties of the war Allied casualties: In Serbia 275,000 soldiers were killed, and 130,000 were wounded. 150,000 civilians also died. Serbia lost 16% of its population in the war 26,000 Greek soldiers died, and 21,000 were wounded

Casualties of the war (continued) Central powers casualties: 1.1 million Austro-Hungarian soldiers and 120,000 civilians died in the war 87,000 Bulgarian soldiers lost their life and 150,000 left wounded Germany lost 2.2 million soldiers and 4.2 million were wounded, but only about 1,000 german civilians lost their life

Memorial/ Monument · The white flowers are Gymnadenia frivalfi which are well known flowers down in the Balkans. · In the Nicosia district of Cyprus there is a Balkans war memorial next to the Holy Cross Church which has a Holy Cross that stands 25 meters tall to show peace towards the memorial and fallen soldiers. · There is Greek flag, Macedonia flag, and Bulgarian flag to represent some of the countries that fought in battle.