Re: WW1 Interactive
Bulgaria
Restored as a country since 1878 after a successful war between Russia and the Ottoman empire. In 1878 according to San Stefano treaty almost all of Bulgarian population is united under one country. Later in Berlin the Great powers decided to separate Bulgaria since it was too big for a minor country. It is separated into three large parts: the Principality of Bulgaria (vassal of the Ottoman Empire); Eastern Rumelia ( Ottoman province with its own government); and third part mainly Macedonia but also Egean Thracia that stayed under Ottoman rule.
Years of Russian influence. This lasts until 1885 when Eastern Rumelia and Principality of Rumelia are united by the Bulgarians living in them. Serbia declares war on Bulgaria in order to prevent this but it is defeated. The Union of Bulgaria is recognized by the Great powers but Russia never forgave the bulgarians the fact they acted without her permission. Russian empire left Bulgaria on its fate and found a good ally of Serbia The Bulgarian ruler Alexander I was forced to abdicate and bulgaria had no monarch for a little. Finally Ferdinand I Saxe-Koburg Gotta, an Austrian officer was elected by the Parliament (1887). After years of diplomatic struggle he was recognized by the Great powers of being a ruler of Bulgaria.
1908. Bulgaria is supported by Austria- Hungary to broke her formal dependance on the Ottoman empire. Meanwhile Austria- Hungary annexed Bosnia and Hertsegovina. Bulgaria became independent country and its ruler is no more prince but tsar ( a traditional Bulgarian royal title).
Many of the Bulgarian population lived in the territory of the Ottoman empire repressed by the Ottomans. Some unsuccesful rebelions against the Ottoman power (1878;1902). Similiar problems of Serbia and Greece. Under the protection of Russia so called Balkan union against the Ottoman empire was found. Bulgaria agreed to separate the Macedonia which population is predominantly Bulgarian. Several fatal mistakes of the Bulgarian diplomacy followed.
1912. First Balkan war. Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro and Greece vs Ottoman empire. The Ottomans are defeated. Bulgarians did feats while fighting. The Bulgarian army was recognized to be the most powerful on the Balkan peninsula. During the war Edrene, the city considered to be invincible by many European engineers was conquered by the Bulgarians. The Ottomans want peace and lost almost all of their European territories.
1913. Bulgarian government and the monarch made a fatal mistake - declaring war to their former allies Serbia and Greece. The reason is the fact Bulgaria wants to be the most powerful balkan country and to conquer the important city of Thessalonica (in Greece). Greek and Serbian government are also provocating the war denying to recognize the right of Bulgaria on the lands given by the treaty between Serbia and Bulgaria and insist every country to receive what had been occupated. In additon the Serbian and Greek forces were harrassing the Bulgarian population in the occupated territories. Ferdinand did not want to recognize the defeat of his diplomacy and ordered an attack against Serbia and Greece. However he did not have the neutrlity of Romania and the Ottoman Empire who also attack them. The Bulgarians are fighting really well but the enemy is stronger. Bulgaria was defeated and received few of the Ottoman heritage. The Second Balkan war was a defeat of the Russian diplomacy but a victory of the German one. The balkan union was destroyed.
Economy:
Bulgarian economy became definately the most advanced on the Balkan peninsula for a very short time. However the wars exhausted it to some extend.
Policy:
After a skilful political intrigues Frdinand managed to play the political factions against each other and to weaken them. In the Eve of the FWW he is the one who decides the fate of Bulgaria. The current Bulgarian government is that of Vasil Radoslavov and it is pro-German.
Political tasks:
Uniting of the Bulgarian population.
Bulgarians in Macedonia ( especially in Serbia)
Bulgarians in so called ' Western Borders ' in Serbia
Bulgarians in Thrace (esp. in Greece)
Bulgarians in Dobrudzha - the territory between Danube and Black sea (Romania)
Bulgarians in Eastern Thrace - few because in 1913 most of them were forced to emograte in Bulgaria by the Ottomans; however Bulgaria still wants this territory;
Alliances:
Bulgaria had no alliances. All of her neighbours are hostile to it. Amongst the Great powers: it is under the influence of Germany and Austria-Hungary but its alliance is not decided (!!!)
Current situation:
Bulgaria is a neutral country. First, it was exhausted by the previous wars ( but still having very good army (highly motivated- bec. the uniting of the nation) and ready to fight). Second, the government should be very careful not to lose another war.
Why Bulgaria is a useful ally?
First, it is the strategic situation: It can backstab Serbai in the rear and to hinder any link between France and Britain and Russian Empire which has to fight alone. Second, it can be useful against the Ottoman Empire. Third, the Bulgarian army is good and highly motivated.
Hope this is enough. ( Ferdinand I of Bulgaria)
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Re: WW1 Interactive
Re: WW1 Interactive
Originally Posted by Sooh
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