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9-16 March 1876
The focus of the Eastern Question has moved a little westward. Turkey has clashed repeatedly with Christians in the Balkan region of its empire, especially Christian Bulgarians, Serbs and Croats. When Bosnia and Hercegovina revolt against Turkish rule, Germany, Austria-Hungary and Russia (the Dreikaiserbund or Three Emperors League) put forward diplomatic initiatives. They fail, largely because Disraeli sends the navy to the Dardanelles as a warning to Russia not to take unilateral action. Turkey believes Britain will back it against Russia, and refuses to carry out the proposed reforms. During one week in March 1876, Turkish troops massacre Bulgarian civilians in what becomes known as the 'Bulgarian Horrors'. In September, Gladstone publishes a pamphlet The Bulgarian Horrors and the Question of the East in which he castigates Disraeli's support for Turkey and his denial of the Bulgarian atrocities. It sells 40,000 copies in just one week. He follows this up with a speech at Blackheath on the same subject, which marks his return to active politics after the defeat in the general election of 1874. Meanwhile, Austria-Hungary and Russia agree to divide the Balkans between them, and Russia sends 160,000 troops to the Turkish border. Disraeli calls a conference of great powers in Constantinople, which begins on 12 December. When its proposals fail, Russia declares war on Turkey on 24 April 1877. Britain remains neutral, but in January 1878, when Russia's forces reach Constantinople, Disraeli – concerned about Russian expansion plans – orders the navy to confront them. A ceasefire follows, although in March Britain almost declares war on Russia over its proposed peace terms, which completely change the balance of power in Europe. Finally, on 13 July 1878, the treaty of Berlin is agreed. It establishes a new Bulgarian state, allows Austria-Hungary to occupy Bosnia and Hercegovina, and gives Cyprus to Britain. It also opens the Dardanelles to warships. |
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