Nationalist tensions emerged in the Balkan region due to the following factors:(i) It was a geographically and ethnically diverse region comprising of modern-day Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, Greece, Macedonia, Croatia, Bosnia- Herzegovina, Slovenia, Serbia and Montenegro.(ii) Spreading of ideas of romantic nationalism along with historical notions of independence.(iii) Disintegration of the Ottoman Empire which was a stabilising force in the region.(iv) Conflicting ambitions of Balkan nationalities which hoped to gain more territory at the expense of others. It led to the region becoming a scene of big power rivalry.