In a powerful declaration to the Serbian people, King Peter I of Serbia articulated the necessity for his nation to join the First Balkan War against the Ottoman Empire. This declaration came amidst a backdrop of rising nationalism and regional tensions as Balkan states sought to unshackle themselves from centuries of Ottoman rule. The king stressed the importance of national solidarity as he rallied his people to support the war effort, which aimed at territorial expansion and the liberation of fellow Slavs. Excitement surged through the country as citizens prepared for what many viewed as a historic reclaiming of their heritage and lands.

The conflict began in October 1912, with Serbia joining forces with Greece, Bulgaria, and Montenegro against the Ottomans, driven by the shared objective of ousting the empire from Europe. King Peter I’s declaration was not merely a military announcement but a symbolic call to arms, inspiring hope and a sense of destiny among the Serbian populace. The declaration underscored the belief that the outcome of the war would reshape the landscape of the Balkans for future generations.

The war officially commenced on the same day King Peter made his declaration, with Serbian troops mobilizing swiftly and aiming to capture strategic territories including Kosovo and Macedonia. The war led to significant territorial gains for Serbia, but also set the stage for future conflicts and rivalries in the region. The Serbian monarchy's role in uniting and leading the nation during this period established King Peter I as a figure of national pride and ambition, forever linking his reign to the transformative events of the Balkan Wars.