Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Crimean War brings British and French troops to Bulgaria, with Varna an import-
ant garrison; Turkey is compelled to open up Bulgaria to international trade.
1876
Koprivshtitsa's April Uprising is suppressed; civilian massacres cause international
outrage. The Ottomans reject Bulgarian autonomy at the November Constantinople
Conference.
1877-78
Russo-Turkish War; Tsar Alexander II's army invades Bulgaria and destroys Ottoman
forces. The resulting Treaty of San Stefano envisages the Turks ceding 60% of the
Balkan Peninsula to Bulgaria.
1878
Only four months after San Stefano, Western European powers fearing Russian expan-
sionism enforce the Berlin Treaty, drastically limiting Bulgarian land gains.
1885
A bloodless coup sees Bulgaria reunited with the Ottoman-controlled southlands. Turk-
ish armies mobilise, while a Serbian invasion is defeated. Bulgaria's new borders are
internationally recognised.
1908
Amidst internal Turkish political chaos, Prince Ferdinand declares full independence
from Turkey and becomes tsar of the new Bulgarian kingdom.
1912-13
Bulgaria and neighbouring states fight in the First Balkan War (1912), reclaiming ter-
ritory. Dissatisfied with its share, Bulgaria attacks allies in the Second Balkan War
(1913), losing hard-won territory.
1915-19
Bulgaria joins the Germans in WWI; defeated, the Treaty of Neuilly punishes Bulgaria
by awarding land to its neighbours, while the government faces crippling reparation
payments.
