The Balkans were referred to as the "powder keg of Europe" prior to and during World War I due to the region's intense nationalism, ethnic tensions, and a series of political conflicts. The decline of the Ottoman Empire and the rise of nationalism among various ethnic groups led to instability and numerous conflicts, such as the Balkan Wars. This volatile environment was further exacerbated by the involvement of major powers, each with their own interests, which ultimately contributed to the outbreak of World War I following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo. The region's complex alliances and rivalries made it a focal point for broader European hostilities.
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