6. why did the balkans get the nickname, the "powder keg" of europe? most of the arms and ammunition in europe were manufactured in the balkans. the region was known for producing the finest flour in all of europe. the ethnic mix in the balkans was like a keg of gunpowder, and one spark could easily explode into a war that involved all of europe. there were several active volcanoes in the balkans which could erupt at any moment.