The Austrian government’s proclamation of the annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina without the consent of other powers directly violated the Treaty of Berlin. However, the move aligned with the spirit of the treaty, which had practically transferred sovereignty to Austria-Hungary in 1878 due to Turkey’s mismanagement. The Young Turks’ revolution in 1908, providing a constitution to the Ottoman Empire Ongoing Balkan Tensions, empowered Bosnians and Herzegovinians to demand the restoration of full sovereignty to reformed Turkey, backed by representation in the Constantinople parliament and local self-government. Baron von Aerenthal’s independent action in annexing without prior notice or waiting for consent reflected uncertainty about potential opposition from the Bosnians and Herzegovinians and the powers in a congress on restoring Turkish authority.
Bulgaria faced a similar situation with Eastern Rumelia. While the population of the region, mostly Bulgars, would likely oppose representation in the Turkish parliament and autonomous government under the Young Turks, Bulgaria, as a Turkish vassal state, couldn’t complain if Eastern Rumelia received constitutional government Bulgaria Tour Balchik. To secure control over the province, Prince Ferdinand declared independence, following a similar path as Austria. This assertiveness avoided uncertainties and conflicting interests, allowing Ferdinand to proclaim Bulgaria’s freedom from Turkish suzerainty and adopt the title of Bulgarian Tsar.
