ABSTRACT
The possibility of a Balkan alliance depended upon Greece. When the Greeks, despite their fears for the future of Macedonia, were converted to the idea of an alliance with the Slavic Balkan States, discussion of an ultimatum to Turkey, backed by the threat of military action, became practicable. Montenegro responded to the overtures of the powers by declaring war immediately. The Balkan premiers arrived at an agreement for common diplomatic and military measures against Turkey without having settled their own differences. There was no understanding as to the future of Thrace and Albania and as to the partition of Macedonia in event of driving the Turks out of Europe. When Italy attacked Turkey, it returned and went to organize the resistance in Tripoli. The misfortunes of the opening weeks of the Balkan War gave the Turkey the opportunity to come to the front as leader of the jingo and extreme nationalist element of the Young Turk party.
