Why was the Balkans the powder keg?
Considering this, why was the Balkan region referred to as a powder keg?
The combined states were called the powder keg of Europe in order emphasize unity. This is because at the time, nationalistic and imperialistic rivalries were increasing and the Balkan region needed to unify in their attempt to portray themselves as a powerful nation.
Likewise, why was Serbia the powder keg of Europe?
This theory held that opposing combinations of powers in Europe would be evenly matched entailing that any general war would be far too costly for any nation to risk entering. The powder keg "exploded" causing the First World War, which began with a conflict between imperial Austria-Hungary and Pan-Slavic Serbia.
Yes. This name is accurate because the Balkan Peninsula was the battlefield for much of the war as well as its own ethnic conflicts and clashes before the war. It was also the home to a Slavic power struggle between Serbia and Austria-Hungary.