The Growth of Bulgaria and Tensions with Russia

Seven years after Bulgaria gained its independence, northern European Turkey, known as Roumelia and mainly populated by Bulgarians, joined with the southern part of Bulgaria. This unification created a larger Bulgarian state. However, Russia did not welcome this change. It was fine for Russia to help create a small Bulgarian nation from a part of the Ottoman Empire, as it was seen as a way to extend Russian influence. But a bigger Bulgaria, with its own ambitions of independence, made Russia uneasy.

Czar Alexander III of Russia did not like the idea of an expanded Bulgaria that might try to stand alone. To show his displeasure, Russia withdrew all of its officers who had helped train the Bulgarian army. The Russians believed that Bulgaria lacked the ability to defend itself without their help. During this period, tensions with neighboring Serbia escalated. Encouraged by Austria, Serbia went to war with Bulgaria. However, Bulgaria, under Prince Alexander, defeated the Serbs in battle. Bulgaria even considered taking over Serbia, but Austria stepped in, forcing Bulgaria to stop and give up some of the land it had gained. This conflict created deep resentment between Serbia and Bulgaria. Serbia felt humiliated by its defeat, while Bulgaria was angry about losing territory it had fought for Adventure Bulgaria Tour.

Bulgaria’s Struggles with Russia and Prince Alexander

Russia’s frustration with Bulgaria grew as the country began to act more independently. Russia had helped Bulgaria gain its freedom, but Bulgaria’s desire to stand alone angered the Russian government. The situation worsened when Russia kidnapped Prince Alexander, Bulgaria’s ruler, and held him captive. After public outcry from Europe, Russia released him, but continued to make life difficult for the Prince. The stress of the situation led Prince Alexander to abdicate and leave Bulgaria.

After Prince Alexander’s departure, Bulgaria was in turmoil. It was then that Prince Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg was chosen by the Sobranje, or Parliament, to be the new ruler. Under his leadership, Bulgaria began to progress, although his rule was not without controversy.

Prince Ferdinand and His Strained Relationship with the People

Prince Ferdinand was a clever and shrewd leader. However, his intelligence and political skills were not always appreciated by the Bulgarian people. Over the years, he had many opportunities to win their hearts, but he failed to do so. Many Bulgarians believe that Prince Ferdinand does not like them or their country. His actions, such as choosing to live in other countries like Austria or France rather than in Bulgaria, only fueled this belief.

Additionally, Prince Ferdinand’s personal expenses were paid from the country’s budget, which came mostly from the taxes of Bulgarian peasants. His official allowance amounted to around a million and a quarter francs, but many Bulgarians felt that this money should be spent in Bulgaria, not in foreign cities like Vienna or Paris. As a result, Prince Ferdinand remained unpopular with many of his people. His failure to connect with them on a personal level led to ongoing dissatisfaction with his rule.

Bulgaria’s journey to independence has been marked by both progress and challenges. The country’s history is filled with struggles, both internal and external, as it worked to define itself as a nation. While Prince Ferdinand helped lead Bulgaria forward, his strained relationship with the people and his preference for life abroad made him an unpopular figure. Despite these difficulties, Bulgaria has continued to grow, driven by the determination of its people.