Which series of conflicts contributed to the rising tensions that led to World War I?

The Balkan Wars significantly contributed to the rising tensions that led to World War I due to a combination of factors rooted in nationalism, territorial disputes, and the decline of empires. The Balkan Wars, which occurred in the early 20th century (specifically 1912-1913), involved a series of conflicts between the Balkan League (Serbia, Montenegro, Greece, and Bulgaria) and the Ottoman Empire, followed by conflicts among the Balkan states themselves over the spoils of war.

The aftermath of these wars intensified nationalistic sentiments, particularly for Serbia, which sought to expand its territory and influence in the Balkans, confront its own ethnic divisions, and support Slavic nationalism. This expansionist ambition alarmed Austria-Hungary, which had significant interests in the region and viewed Serbian nationalism as a direct threat to its multi-ethnic empire. The tensions from these conflicts laid the groundwork for rivalries that would be further exacerbated by alliances and militaristic posturing in Europe, eventually contributing directly to the outbreak of World War I following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in 1914, a key flashpoint that occurred amidst this volatile backdrop.

In contrast, while the Franco-Prussian War was critical in shaping French and