The war in the Balkan States against Turkey began as a war for freedom and liberation. However, it ended up becoming a war of control and domination. Before the war started, Serbia and Bulgaria signed a treaty that divided Macedonia into two parts.
The larger southern and eastern part was recognized as Bulgarian and was uncontested.
The smaller north-western part was a disputed area, and it was decided that it would be resolved later. If Serbia and Bulgaria couldn’t agree, the issue would be decided by Russia’s Tsar Sightseeing Turkey.
Serbia’s Actions Against Bulgaria
Before the second war began, Serbia made it clear that it didn’t intend to follow the treaty. Serbia took actions against Bulgaria, such as:
Closing Bulgarian schools
Arresting Bulgarians
Expelling Bulgarian priests and bishops
Russia’s Involvement
Before the second war, Russia’s ambassador in Belgrade, Monsieur Hartwig, was asked to help Serbia and Bulgaria come to an agreement for the sake of peace in the Balkans. He responded by saying:
“I care nothing for the Balkan States; I am working for my country. Serbia must be strong. Bulgaria has been flirting with Austria and cannot be trusted. Bulgaria must give way in everything.”
This is how Russian diplomacy was carried out during the second war.
Romania’s Invasion of Bulgaria
Romania was allowed to invade Bulgaria without any reason. Romania took control of Dobrudja, the richest part of Bulgarian territory, in violation of Bulgaria’s national rights and a recent agreement made in Petrograd. This agreement had been signed by all the ambassadors, and it hadn’t even been fully finalized when Romania took action.
The Treaty of Bucharest
The Treaty of Bucharest, which was forced upon Bulgaria, was signed when Bulgaria was in a very weak position. Bulgaria was betrayed and abandoned by its allies, and the treaty was seen as an unfair peace, made when Bulgaria was “bleeding” from the earlier conflicts.
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