The Bulgarian History Podcast

In power since the coup of 1923, Tsankov is finally brought down. But as a moderate government takes power in Bulgaria for the first time in many years, can it triumph over the forces that have brought so much violence and extremism to the country? Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/234-triumph-moderates

In the aftermath of the brutal bombing of the Sveta Nedelya church the Tsankov regime unleashes a new terror on its enemies. At the same time, a border incident leads to the invasion of Bulgaria by one of its neighbors. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/233-the-terror

As the Tsankov regime cracks down even harder on leftists, the underground communist movement strikes back with horrific consequences. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/232-holy-sunday

As the Tsankov regime tightens its grip on power, opposition to its policies is generating unexpected and controversial partnerships. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/231-strange-bedfellows

The Comintern's orders are clear. The Bulgarian Communist Party is to mount an uprising to overthrow the newly installed fascist regime of Alexander Tsankov. But do they have any chance of success? Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/230-september-uprising

How did the seemingly dominant Agrarian regime of Alexander Stamboliiski collapse so quickly and what can the successes, failures, and contradictions tell us about the regime and the country that created it? Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/229-agrarian-retrospect

After years of waiting for the right moment to strike, the enemies of Stamboliiski's agrarian regime finally make their move. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/228-long-awaited-blow

Fresh off the Agrarian victory in Veliko Tarnovo, Stamboliiski notches yet more victories for his government. But will such a brilliant triumph be enough to ensure victory when the final showdown comes between the Agrarians and their many enemies? Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/227-brilliant-triumph

Violence escalates as opposition to Stamboliiski's agrarian regime coalesces, leading to a showdown in Bulgaria's medieval capital. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/226-blood-on-the-streets

Stamboliiski learns the unexpected value of curroption, outplays his international rivals, and finally manages to eliminate a direct threat to his regime. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/225-drop-in-ocean

As the Stamboliiski government struggles with reparations, the Bulgarian church, the VMRO, Yugoslavia, and more, its enemies all appear to be sharpening their knives. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/224-knife-sharpening

Just an update about a few things as well as answering questions submitted by Patreon patrons.

As the Stamboliiski regime continues implementing its political program at home and abroad, opposition steadily grows in both places. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/223-enemies-foreign-domestic

The Agrarians make a push to gain a majority in the National Assembly, but even before that election they begin to implement their major reform program to reshape Bulgaria into a 'Model Agricultural State.' Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/222-model-agricultural-state

After standing on the sidelines for over a year, Bulgaria finally enters the First World War on the side of the Central Powers. However, despite achieving nearly all of its territorial ambitions, war weariness soon sets in as the country wrestles with just how it can actually keep all that it's gained. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/221-national-catastrophes-2

This episode recaps the first half of Season 9, beginning with the First Balkan War in 1912. Victory in that war was quickly overshadowed by the growing reality that all of Bulgaria's neighbors were turning against it, leading to the Second Balkan War. In that conflict, Bulgaria was overwhelmed and defeated, leading to the loss of major territories. In its aftermath, the First World War offers an opportunity for revenge. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/120-national-catastrophes-1

As the realities of the treaty ending the First World War for Bulgaria become clear, several political groups begin to form paramilitary wings as the violent struggle for post-war Bulgaria begins. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/219-2nd-national-catastrophe

New elections and a final peace treaty with the Entente both loom as the struggle over who will control Bulgaria in the new post-war world begins to take shape. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/218-stamboliiski-takes-charge Support the English version of Na Oko! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/therory/na-oko-a-culinary-adventure-in-a-lost-country

With the First World War at an end, it's time to look back at the immense costs it has imposed on Bulgaria and the world. In this environment, Bulgaria is trying to stabilize itself and lobby the Paris Peace Conference for better terms, but success is far from guaranteed. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/217-dust-settles

With an army approaching Sofia, the government prepares for a fight while desperately awaiting news from the armistace negotiators. While it's clear the First World War is over for Bulgaria, just how that end is going to come remains to be seen. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/216-armistice-abdication

With the collapse of the Macedonian front and revolution in the air, Tsar Ferdinand is forced to turn to his greatest opponent for help... Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/215-peasant-and-tsar

Some of the best fortifications in the world are manned by soldiers low on food, clothing, and supplies. So what happens when they meet an enemy determined to break a years long stalemate? Breakthrough. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/214-breakthrough

The Central Powers are victorious in the east! Now it's time to divvy up the spoils... Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/213-the-spoils

With the collapse of the Provisional government and the onset of the Russian Civil War, the Central Powers have finally achieved victory in the east. But as negotiations over that peace begin, the course of the war remains just as unclear as ever. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/212-eastern-victories

As the winter of 1916-17 comes to a close, the First World War enters a new phase as one major power enter and another moves towards the door under the grip of revolution. But for Bulgaria the struggle is to hold on as a powerful series of attacks in Macedonia put its defenses to the test. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/211-balkan-verdun

Just months after joining the war with high hopes of taking Transylvania from Austria-Hungary, Romania is now on the back foot and facing total collapse. Elsewhere, the Greek quasi-civil war is heating up, Bulgaria faces increasing difficulties at home, and the Serbs are finally pushing back against a harsh occupation. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/210-romanian-collapse

Once again, Bulgaria faces fighting on multiple frontlines, with Entente forces attempting to put more pressure on them. This has transformed the war in the Balkans and now Bulgaria faces the prospect of losing an important city and potentially gaining an important region. The stakes have never been higher as the country stretches its capabilities to the limits. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/209-war-on-two-fronts

As the war drags on, the Bulgarian government tightens its grip on power. Meanwhile, the Macedonian front becomes active again as the Central Powers attempt to take advantage of the confusing situation in Greece. But even with these successes the prospect of new Balkan states entering the war looms large over everything... Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/208-end-balkan-stalemate

As 1915 comes to an end, Bulgaria suddenly finds a war it entered mere months ago entering a new phase. With the Salonika front settling into stalemate, Bulgaria now takes the role of the occupier, working to crush anything connected to Serbia in newly conquered territories. But a single overriding questions hangs in the air, what to do next? Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/207-occupation

Bulgaria finally enters the First World War, joining Germany and Austria-Hungary in a massive offensive against Serbia. But while some victories are coming easily, all is not as it seems. True, Bulgaria is finally realizing one of its greatest national ambitions, but will it all turn out to be just a dream? Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/206-a-dream-realized

As Summer 1915 turns to Fall, Bulgaria makes it choice to join the Central Powers and attack Serbia. But in the final weeks before that decision becomes known, the country faced political turmoil and exceptionally difficult questions about the future... Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/205-the-die-is-cast

As the Great War drags on, Bulgarian participation becomes ever more valuable. Now, as the Spring of 1915 turns to summer both the Entente and Central Powers are vying for Bulgaria's support like never before. Meanwhile, new powers are entering the war and failures on the battlefield are reshaping the war again and again. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/204-bulgarian-summer

As the First World War moves past the optimistic summer of 1914 it quickly becomes clear to everyone that the war will not end anytime soon. Meanwhile, the intense courtship of Bulgaria as an ally begins, forcing the country to reckon with what its support might be worth. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/203-settling-into-stalemate

As Romania and Serbia crack down on the Bulgarian populations of their newly acquired territories, Bulgaria's Prime Minister attempts to finally build a governing coalition. At the same time, war clouds gather over Europe as the Great War finally begins. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/202-great-war-begins

As the fighting of the Second Balkan Wars ends, Bulgaria searches for a path forward and hundreds of thousands of people in the region face difficult decisions: to stay or leave. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/201-resistance-acceptance

After the conclusion of what is rightfully called the "first national catastrophe" it's worth looking back at the scale, scope, and meaning of the Balkan Wars to understand their importance to Bulgaria, Europe, and the world. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/200-balkan-wars-retrospect

The die is cast as Bulgaria embarks on a surprise attack against Serbia and Greece to gain the territories it feels it has earned. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/199-first-national-catastrophe

With the end of the First Balkan War, Bulgaria faces a difficult choice. Its army is on the brink of revolt, its neighbors are threatening war, and an uprising in Macedonia is poised to begin any moment. With Macedonia largely under Serbian and Greek control, what is Bulgaria to do? Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/198-one-against-all

Just as Bulgaria achieves what one author terms its first diplomatic success of the war, the country is losing another kind of war. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/197-beginning-end

As the First Balkan War enters its final stages, the final 3 Ottoman fortresses are each forced to surrender. But even before the guns fall silent, the true battlefield has shifted to the negotiating table. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/196-the-fortresses-fall

Mere hours after peace is agreed to, a coup tears up the treaty and brings the war back into an active phase. As a result, Bulgaria faces renewed assaults and renewed pressure by allies and enemies alike. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/195-the-war-resumes

With the failure of Bulgaria's assault on the Chataldzha line, the pace of the war has declined and the Tsar accepted that an armistice is necessary. But the terms of that armistice are already controversial, bringing Europe to the brink of war. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/194-chataldzha-armistice

As the Greeks and Serbs complete the defeat of most Ottoman forces in the rest of the Balkans, the Bulgarians finally begin the attack on the final set of defenses standing between them and Constantinople. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/193-wave-against-rocks

After two weeks of great victories, the Balkan states try and press their advantage. But above all, the great race is for the city of Thessaloniki. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/192-the-great-race

As the Bulgarians, Serbs, and Greeks each win huge victories on the battlefield, can they capitalize on their success or will they be stuck with lost victories? Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/191-lost-victories

The war, decades in the making, to expel the Ottoman Empire from Europe has begun. In this episode, we look at the armies and societies going to war as well as covering the first days of Bulgarian operations in Thrace. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/190-early-first-balkan-war

This episode covers the second half of season 8, roughly from late 1904 until the beginning of the First Balkan War in 1912. In that time, the Balkan status quo broke wide open as Russia and Austria-Hungary returned to their competition for dominance. Meanwhile, the Young Turk Revolution in the Ottoman Empire greatly destabilized the country and further opened up chances to end the long-imposed status quo. As a result, Italy won a war against the Ottomans and the Balkan League formed to take its European territories. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/189-calm-before-the-storm-part-2

This episode covers the first half of Season 8, roughly from 1895 to 1904. In that time, Ferdinand took firm control of Bulgarian politics as governments came and went as he pleased. Meanwhile, the MRO and Supremecists vied for power and influence, leading to a series of bloody and unsuccessful revolts. Internally, Bulgaria struggled to finance its massive army alongside investments in its economy and infrastructure, leading to massive foreign loans and crippling taxes on the peasantry. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/188-calm-before-the-storm-part-1

As the Ottomans face war with Italy, another Albanian uprising, the resurgence of violence in Macedonia, and a coup, pressure mounts on the Balkan states to take advantage of their weakness. But overcoming their internal differences won't be easy. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/187-the-balkan-league

Interethnic violence rocks a Bulgarian city, former members of the MRO decide they've had enough with the Young Turks and reform the organization. Meanwhile, Ferdinand orchestrates a new government in Sofia to lay the groundwork for a shift in Bulgaria's foreign policy. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/186-return-to-resistance

In the aftermath of Bulgaria's declaration of independence, the new state works to establish its place on the European stage. Meanwhile a counter-revolution rocks the Ottoman Empire and European royals build new resentments. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/185-back-to-reality