The Balkan Wars of 1912 were a series of conflicts that involved several Balkan states—Serbia, Montenegro, Greece, and Bulgaria—against the Ottoman Empire. These wars aimed to liberate territories inhabited by ethnic Slavs and resulted in significant territorial changes in the region. The outcome not only weakened the Ottoman Empire but also set the stage for further ethnic tensions and conflicts in the Balkans, ultimately contributing to the outbreak of World War I.

The Balkan Wars of 1912 intensified nationalist sentiments, inspiring poets like Vasko Popa and others to explore themes of identity, conflict, and instability in their works. This period saw a surge in poetry that reflected the tumultuous political landscape, capturing the emotional and psychological impact of war.