Why did nationalist tensions emerge in the Balkans?

Nationalist tensions emerged in the Balkans because of the

spread of ideas of romantic nationalism as also the

disintegration of the Ottoman Empire that had previously ruled

over this area. The different Slavic communities in the Balkans

began to strive for independent rule. They were jealous of each

other and every state wanted more territory, even at the

expense of others. Also, the hold of imperial power over the

Balkans made the situation worse. Russia, Germany, England,

Austro-Hungary all wanted more control over this area. These

conflicts ultimately led to the First World War in 1914.