The League of Prizren emerged as a significant response to the geopolitical upheavals in the Balkans during the late 19th century, specifically targeting the outcomes of the Congress of Berlin and the Treaty of San Stefano. These agreements parcelled out territories in the Balkans, threatening the integrity of Albanian lands by assigning them to neighboring states. Albanian leaders convened in Prizren, a city that would become central to nationalistic movements, to establish this league dedicated to preserving their nationality and territorial rights. Among the prominent figures involved were leaders such as Abdyl Frashëri and Ismail Qemali, who endeavored to assert Albania's identity amidst the encroaching pressures from Serbia and Greece, which sought to expand their territories at the expense of the Albanian population.

The creation of the League marked a transformative moment, rallying diverse Albanian factions under a collective cause aimed at advocating for autonomy and the right to self-determination. The League also initiated a campaign for the unification of Albania, raising awareness about the cultural and linguistic identity of the Albanian people. It played a critical role in organizing local and national resistance against external pressures, striving for recognition and respect for Albanian claims within the tumultuous political landscape of the Balkans.

As the League gained momentum, it sought to mobilize both intellectuals and common people to support the cause, leading to the establishment of schools, cultural institutions, and a national consciousness that had been dormant under Ottoman rule. The efforts of the League, however, faced challenges not only from the neighboring states but also from internal divisions among different Albanian factions. Nevertheless, its formation laid the groundwork for future movements advocating for Albania's independence and solidified a sense of unity and national pride among Albanians.