The Bulgarian History Podcast: Recent Episodes
Eric Halsey
With the defeat of Greece and Yugoslavia, Bulgaria seemingly achieves its national goals with little sacrifice on its part. Tsar Boris is hailed as Tsar Unifier, and even opposition politicians are overjoyed. But all this success hides a growing darkness...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/260-dream-realized-againCheck out the book here: a.co/d/0iKfCu6f
In the aftermath of Bulgaria's signing of the Tripartite Pact, Yugoslavia follows suit. However, the outcome proves to be dramatically different.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/259-destruction-yugoslaviaCheck out the book here: a.co/d/0iKfCu6f
In the aftermath of Bulgaria's decision to sign the Tripartite Pact, it's worth looking at how this event is portrayed and how the major players, both internally and externally, reacted.You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/258-the-reactionSupporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us.Check out the book here: a.co/d/0iKfCu6f
As pressure mounts from all sides, Bulgaria finally concedes and signs a document that will seal its fate.You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/257-tripartite-pactSupporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us.Check out the book here: a.co/d/0iKfCu6f
The Yugoslav communists work to strengthen their presence in Macedonia as the fascist Iron Guard leads a full scale revolt in Romania leading to their destruction. In Bulgaria, as the country moves closer to signing the Tripartite Pact, the country implements the most shameful piece of legislation in its history.You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/256-law-defense-nationSupporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us.Check out the book here: a.co/d/0iKfCu6f
The Axis Powers formalize their alliance with the creation of the Tripartite Pact. Then, just as the war in Europe begins to slow down, the Italian invasion of Greece puts new pressure on Bulgaria to join the war. The question hanging in the air is just how long Bulgaria can resist Axis arm twisting.You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/255-arm-twistingSupporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us.Check out the book here: https://a.co/d/0iKfCu6f
As yet more countries leap at the opportunity to extract territory from a Romanian state that can do little to stop them, the last true royal dictatorship in the Balkans falls. As a result, Bulgaria achieves a cherished national goal and begins to fracture the uneasy alliance between the Communists and government.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/254-romanian-feastCheck out the book here: www.amazon.com/State-Builders-St…an/dp/6197814110/
As Tsar Boris tightens his grip on Bulgaria internally, it becomes more and more clear that events in Europe are outpacing his efforts. While Bulgaria remains committed to neutrality, the tides of war seem poised to sweep the country in whichever direction they desire and there's very little Tsar Boris, or anyone, can do about 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/253-flow-of-tideCheck out the book here: www.amazon.com/State-Builders-St…an/dp/6197814110/
As the Second World War begins, Germany and the Soviet Union begin carving up eastern Europe between them. But for now, Bulgaria and its Balkan neighbors remain neutral. But what will it take to maintain that neutrality as darkness descends upon the continent?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/252-darkness-descendsCheck out the book here: www.amazon.com/State-Builders-St…an/dp/6197814110/
As fascist powers continue to take land from their neighbors and take over new countries, an agreement between Germany and the Soviet Union shocks the word and gives Bulgaria an opportunity.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/251-deal-between-devilsCheck out the book here: www.amazon.com/State-Builders-St…an/dp/6197814110/
With war in Europe looming, leaders around the Balkans work to tighten their grip on power.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/250-tightening-gripCheck out the book here: www.amazon.com/State-Builders-St…an/dp/6197814110/
As Bulgaria begins seriously rearming and reequipping its military, the European map begins to change at a rapid pace as Germany annexes several key 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/249-death-knellCheck out the book here: www.amazon.com/State-Builders-St…an/dp/6197814110/
Tsar Boris seeks to strengthen his position with both the first parliamentary elections in 7 years and the long-awaited birth of an heir.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/248-tidy-democracyCheck out the book here: www.amazon.com/State-Builders-St…an/dp/6197814110/
As fascist revisionist powers make bold moves on the European stage and upset the post-war status quo, Tsar Boris' non-party government faces its first real 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/247-first-testCheck out the book here: www.amazon.com/State-Builders-St…an/dp/6197814110/
To commemorate Bulgaria's transition to the Euro on January 1st 2026, this special episode looks back on the 145 year history of the Bulgarian Lev as a currency.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/history-of-levCheck out the book here: www.amazon.com/State-Builders-St…an/dp/6197814110/
The new government spearheaded by Tsar Boris himself struggles to overcome internal divisions, political opposition, and an assassination plot as world events make the situation for the country more dangerous by the day.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/246-adversary-in-the-houseCheck out the book here: www.amazon.com/State-Builders-St…an/dp/6197814110/
In Greece, the triumph of the monarchist faction has brought about a return of the King alongside a military dictatorship. Meanwhile, the old guard faction of the Bulgarian communists is triumphant as well, liquidating the left-sectarian faction and taking full control of the organization. But at home, Tsar Boris outplays the opposition to take further control of the government.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/245-reign-governCheck out the book here: www.amazon.com/State-Builders-St…an/dp/6197814110/
As the Zveno and Military League government focuses on implementing its reforms, it suddenly finds that it has been outplayed by an unlikely opponent.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/244-checkmateCheck out the book here: www.amazon.com/State-Builders-St…an/dp/6197814110/
After the May 19th coup, the new government quick sets about abolishing the constitution and ruling by decree.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/243-by-decreeCheck out the book here: www.amazon.com/State-Builders-St…an/dp/6197814110/
As the Mushanov government falls prey to infighting and corruption, forces within the military, political establishment, and even the palace make plans to end the malaise and remake the 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/242-zvenos-strikeCheck out the book here: https://www.amazon.com/State-Builders-Steppe-History-Bulgarian/dp/6197814110/
Yugoslavia gets a new constitution, the VMRO takes its violence to a new level, and Bulgaria gets brought ever closer to an increasingly authoritarian Germany.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/241-storm-clouds-gatherLearn more about the book and sign up for updates here: thisisbulgaria.org/state-suilders-from-the-steppe/
After 5 years, the Lyapchev government finally falls. But while it's replaced by another coalition committed to democracy, fascist movements proliferate as the challenges of the Great Depression continue to batter Bulgaria.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/240-another-shotLearn more about the book and sign up for updates here: thisisbulgaria.org/state-suilders-from-the-steppe/
As the Great Depression spreads across the globe, Bulgaria is particularly vulnerable for a multitude of reasons. Meanwhile, the country's bachelor king finally finds love.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/239-love-and-depressionLearn more about the book and sign up for updates here: thisisbulgaria.org/state-suilders-from-the-steppe/
The stage is set for a final showdown between Stamboliiski and his long list of enemies. In the aftermath of that coup, Bulgaria experiences unprecedented violence as all manner of factions and movements fight for power and survival. Ultimately though, the country turns to moderate politics, only for that movement to flounder.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/238-experiment-part-2Learn more about the book and sign up for updates here: https://thisisbulgaria.org/state-suilders-from-the-steppe/
With the onset of the 1920s, Bulgaria's firebrand Agrarian leader Alexander Stamboliiski rises to become the preeminent political power in the country. But with each new triumph the opposition steadily grows 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/237-experiment-part-1
In Bulgaria and throughout the Balkans it seems that political experiments are coming to an end. Democracy is ending in Yugoslavia, Agrarianism is being steadily killed off, and moderates are under pressure from all sides. As the 1920s and season 10 come to a close, the Lyapchev government faces its toughest challenges yet.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/236-twilight-experiment
While the moderate Prime Minister Lyapchev may have won the most recent election, his government struggles to combat radical factions determined to change Bulgaria's course at any cost.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/235-under-pressureWaiting for the Goats: Life and Death in a Bulgarian Village: https://a.co/d/cRY2D4V
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-chargeSupport the English version of Na Oko! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/therory/na-oko-a-culinary-awakening?ref=project_link
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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
In the aftermath of the Young Turk Revolution, everyone from the Great Powers to the former right and left-wing factions of the MRO have to decide how to respond. In the process, the decades-old Balkan status quo will finally be broken.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/184-death-principality-birth-kingdom
One MRO faction sentences the other to death while the other embraces a revolution in the Ottoman Empire. Meanwhile the first elections in 5 years see a new party rise to power while the Agrarians begin to shape themselves into a potent new political force.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/183-stamboliiski-young-turks
An assassins bullet rocks Bulgarian politics, Ferdinand and his government attempt to further crack down on political organization, and the Prince's family grows smaller, then larger.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/182-snowballs-bullets-wedding
A newspaper scandal brings down Prime Minister Petrov, allowing the actual leader of the governing party to finally take charge. Meanwhile, as Greek cheti bring yet more violence to Macedonia, the conflict between the two competing factions of the MRO heats up, leading to a wave of high-profile murders.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/181-the-final-rupture
As the Russo-Japanese War reaches its climax, its conclusion has dramatic implications for Bulgaria and the Balkans. It also triggers a wave of bloody revolution across Russia. In Macedonia, the aftermath of the Zagoritsa massacre leads to a wave of bloody actions against the country's Greek population as well.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/180-massacres-land-sea
As the MRO continues to reckon with its recent bloody failure in Macedonia, Greece and Serbia step into the vacuum to expand their power and influence there.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/179-the-year-of-congresses
War breaks out between Japan and Russia, the strongest recorded earthquake to ever hit the Balkans rocks Macedonia, and the fallout of the Ilinden Uprising continues to reverberate throughout the region.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/178-the-world-shakes
Uprisings have begun in both Macedonia and Thrace, but whether the MRO can succeed where the Supremecists failed 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/177-ilinden-uprising
In the aftermath of the bloody Gorna Dzumaya Uprising, yet more violence comes to Macedonia in the form of the Boatmen. As terrorist attacks rock Thessaloniki (Salonika), several other major political figures meet their end, whether by natural causes or the assassin's bullet.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/176-boatmen-of-thessaloniki
As the Supremacists rush towards a new uprising in Macedonia, the MRO, Ottomans, and Bulgarian government alike all try to stop them.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/175-gorna-dzumaya-uprising
Between the deaths of several major political figures and a shift in electoral politics, the Bulgarian political landscape is shifting. Sofia is being pushed closer to Russia, but far from making things easier, this only seems to create yet more challenges for Ferdinand, his governments, and the Macedonian revolutionaries.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/174-government-without-options
Bulgaria experiences its most free election in decades, the Agrarians finally get what they've been demanding, and the Macedonian organizations are engulfed in chaos, resulting in one of the most infamous kidnappings of the early 20th century.
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The world's wealthiest Bulgarian dies, triggering a wave of controversy over the fate of his fortune. Meanwhile, violence over the 10% tithe continues to rack the country while the balance of power between the Macedonian organizations is upended once again.
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A series of bad decisions forces the Conservative government of Stoilov to implement harsh new taxes, triggering substantial backlash. Meanwhile, Prince Ferdinand experiences a personal tragedy while the Macedonian movement finally finds some unity.
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Seeing an opportunity, Greece attempts to size Crete from the Ottomans, triggering full scale war. Meanwhile, the Supremecists and MRO are both trying to determine their next moves as events outside their control rock Macedonia with uprisings and crackdowns.
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With Stambolov gone and Ferdinand recognized, Bulgarian politics enters a new age. This episode covers the general situation entering Season 8, how Agriculture, economics, politics, and culture at the cusp of this new era. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us.
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In this special episode finishing off season 7, we cover the unique challenges faced by Bulgaria's Muslim population following the 1878-9 Russo-Turkish War. In this time, they struggle to find their place in the young Bulgarian state, to determine their relationship with the Ottoman Empire, and decide how their communities should adapt to the fast-changing world around them.
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This episode covers the second half of Season 7, roughly from 1886 until 1895. In that time, Stefan Stambolov ran Bulgaria with near total control, convincing Ferdinand to come be the new monarch of the country and creating Bulgaria's first period of normalcy after independence. However, the period was also marked by violence, Russian meddling, and a power struggle which ultimately saw Stambolov assassinated and Ferdinand the political master of Bulgaria.
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This episode covers the first half of Season 7, roughly 1879 until 1886. In that time, Bulgaria drafted its first constitution, found itself a Prince, and generally attempted to lay the groundwork for the reclamation of the territories it had been promised in the Treaty of San Stefano. However, hampering all of these efforts was intense Russian meddling including wildly inconsistent policies. Ultimately, when unification with Eastern Rumelia came unexpectedly, Russia broke off diplomatic relations and Serbia invaded. Despite a victory, Battenberg ultimately had to abdicate.
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Stambolov's long predicted assassination finally occurs. Meanwhile, Ferdinand wonders whether the price asked of him for reconciliation with Russia is too high and Macedonian revolutionaries finally begin sending guerrilla bands into that territory.
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As the Stoilov government decides to support them, Macedonian revolutionaries attempt to resolve their differences and form a united front. Meanwhile, the persecution of Stefan Stambolov continues as Prince Ferdinand attempts to find a way toward reconciliation with Russia.
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As Bulgaria enters a new post-Stambolov age, we examine his legacy and see just what Prince Ferdinand and the new Prime Minister Stoilov intend to do without him.
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Bulgaria sees fundamental shifts as the long reign of Stefan Stambolov comes to an end, a son and heir to the throne is born, and a new organization is born in Macedonia signaling the beginning of a new stage of the struggle for that land.
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This episode covers the journey of Aleko Konstantinov to the Grand Columbian Exhibition, giving a glimpse into life, travel, and how Bulgaria showed itself abroad in 1893. Then, we cover another set of constitutional changes pushed by Stefan Stambolov to cement his power. But with his political strength fading, will it be enough?
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As Bulgaria experiences yet more assassinations, and Stambolov's power looks more uncertain despite diplomatic victories, the pressure on Ferdinand to find a bride intensifies.
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An assassin comes for Stefan Stambolov, triggering a major political shakeup in Bulgaria as Prince Ferdinand begins the search for a bride in an attempt to begin a dynasty and stabilize the country.
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Both Serbia and Austria-Hungary face dramatic changes in their royal families as Russia continues its campaign to overthrow and replace Bulgaria's government despite repeated failures.
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As Ferdinand and Stambolov settle into their roles running the country, their opponents foreign and domestic continue to try and take them down. As these attempts fail, strategies shift and the two will have to adapt to stay on top. Meanwhile, armed bandits and new railway lines are each doing their part to reshape Bulgaria in the eyes of the world.
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As Ferdinand searches for a man to lead his first government, there seems to be only one possible candidate. With his appointment as Prime Minister, Stefan Stambolov begins a new era of Bulgarian history.
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You can find the Russian Empire History Podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-russian-empire-history-podcast/id1580858958
Ferdinand has finally accepted and Bulgaria finally has a monarch once again. But that doesn't mean his becoming Prince of Bulgaria will be easy. He needs to navigate a delicate international situation, dodge assassination attempts, and adapt to conditions in Sofia.
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Bulgaria's newly elected Grand National Assembly scours Europe for a suitable monarch while the great powers find themselves on the brink of war over the issue. Amidst this tension, a candidate emerges.
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In the aftermath of Stambolov's counter-coup, the new regency tries to repair relations with Russia. However, Tsar Alexander III has his own ideas.
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Despite his military and political victories, nothing seems enough to save Alexander Battenberg from his bad relationship with the Tsar of Russia.
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After turning back the initial Serbian attack, Bulgarian forces enter Serbia. But while the Bulgarian army is advancing in the field, diplomats on all sides are rushing to resolve the war. The question is whether military victories will be enough to secure unification and the future of Prince Alexander Battenberg.
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The Serbian declaration of war came as a shock to Bulgaria, who now has to rush its soldiers from the Ottoman border to meet the invaders. Deprived of nearly its entire officer corps, the country looks ripe for conquest. Now. as the Serbs advance on 3 fronts, the question hangs in teh air, can the Bulgarians hold them off?
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As Bulgarian unification with Eastern Rumelia rushes ahead, forcing politicians and royals alike to quickly adapt, Bulgaria waits to see what the foreign response will be. Soldiers are being mobilized, diplomats are gathering, and war clouds are rumbling in the distance.
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After years of chaos, some level of stability finally comes to Bulgarian politics. However, while this allows the government in Sofia to finally resolve many long-standing issues, it won't last long. Agitation for unification with Macedonia and Eastern Rumelia is rising by the day as political leaders struggle to control the situation.
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Now that every possible faction in Bulgaria's chaotic political system has angered every other faction, it seems only two things can now unite them: a desire to restore the Tarnovo Constitution and to show their anger towards Russia. Now it remains to be seen just how they will go about these two missions.
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Now that Prince Alexander's coup has in theory given him everything he wanted, the question of what he can do with his new power remains. As the shaky coalition between the Russians, Conservatives, and Prince gets underway, it quickly becomes apparent that these three have very different interests and goals.
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As a far-off assassination rocks Bulgaria, Prince Alexander finally sees an opening to achieve his aims to govern as he wishes. However, things won't be as easy or simple as he thinks.
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As the Liberal Party finally get the chance to govern, it quickly makes enemies at home and abroad. Political fights get ugly and frustration mounts everywhere. Meanwhile, work continues on how to unify Bulgaria with Eastern Rumelia and fighting erupts in Macedonia.
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As Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia each face the many problems associated with their new independence, they take very different approaches. Meanwhile, Prince Alexander becomes ever more frustrated with his position as election after election fails to get him what he wants.
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In this episode, we dive into the first Bulgarian political factions and the complex political environment into which the young Prince Alexander was stepping. As he meets with the leaders of the Great Powers and attempts to form his first government, he's quickly learning that governing Bulgaria will not be easy.
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In this episode, Bulgaria's Constituent Assembly begins the work of agreeing on a Constitution and finding a foreign prince. As this occurs, the first political factions begin to develop, creating dangerous divisions ready to exploit the system of government which wasn't even fully decided.
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Even as the ink on the Treaty of Berlin is drying, Bulgarians are up in arms about its provisions. Soon, new uprisings are planned, newspapers and organizations protest, a new government is formed, and a constitution is written. It's a heady time full of hope and despair.
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This episode completes the recap of Season 6 by covering the years 1862-1878. In that time, reforms brought some greater prosperity to Bulgaria but ultimately failed to do nearly enough. Bulgarian revolutionaries organized and began sending armed bands into the territory, culminating in the disastrous April Uprising. Heroes like Vasil Levski and Hristo Botev rose to prominence before dying in their struggles. In the rest of Europe, the Prussian wars with Austria and then France created the German Empire and reshaped the geopolitical map. All of this culminated in the Russo-Turkish War which finally earned Bulgaria some independence.
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In this episode, we recap the years 1807 to 1862 as a series of wars and uprisings rapidly diminish Ottoman power and holdings in the Balkans. Meanwhile the Ottoman state is modernizing as Bulgaria goes though its National Revival, adding schools, factories, and new publications at an increasing pace.
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After the San Stefano treaty provoked outrage in the capitals of Europe and a series of secret agreements for adjusting it were concluded, it was finally time for the Great Powers to meet in Berlin and lay out the final conclusion of the Russo-Turkish War. The results will finally create a semi-independent Bulgarian state but, more importantly, will lay the groundwork for the bloody first decades of the 20th century.
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It's already clear who's going to win the war. What remains to be seen is who will win the peace. As Russian and Bulgarian troops rapidly advance, the Ottomans, Balkan states, and Great Powers alike are all jockeying for position. As the Treaty of San Stefano is being penned, it's already clear that Bulgaria's fate is out of its hands.
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After crossing the Danube to invade Ottoman Bulgaria, the Russian army makes rapid gains before being bogged down in intense fighting at Pleven and the Shipka Pass. There, the outcome of the war is decided. Meanwhile, political forces are just as important as the Great Powers jockey to determine what the Balkans and Europe will look like after this great conflict. In the middle of it all, Bulgarian soldiers and civilians fight for victory and survival.
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For this special episode, I was invited to have a chat with the US Ambassador to Bulgaria about the long history of connections between the two countries as well as what that relationship looks like today.
You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/posts/us-bg-history-ambassador-mustafa
It's 1877 and the Ottomans are victorious against the Serbs, however the Great Powers have gathered to decide what should become of Ottoman authority in the Balkans. To get ahead of this, the Ottomans have passed a new constitution and are ready to resist foreign interference. Meanwhile Russia and Austria-Hungary have concluded agreements necessary for Russia to finally go to war against the Ottomans. Now, it's time for Bulgarians to stand up and fight the Ottomans for the second time in as many years.
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As the last fighters of the April Uprising meet their sad fates, news of its horrors spreads throughout the world and begins to shift the geopolitical scales of Europe. Meanwhile the Ottoman Empire itself experiences a rush of changes as the Great Powers meet to decide what should happen as the Serbs finally decide it's time for war.
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You can find Cornelia by Emil Tsenov here: www.tsenovbooks.com/en or on Amazon.
As the April Uprising draws to a close, Botev crosses the Danube to continue the fight. Meanwhile, we delve into the horrors of the massacre at Batak.
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Despite the failure of the Stara Zagora uprising, Bulgarian revolutionaries see an opportunity to finally throw off Ottoman rule in the Spring of 1876.
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As the Bosnia and Herzegovina break out into open revolt against the Ottomans, some BRCC members see their golden opportunity to free Bulgaria. Meanwhile, the Ottoman government must finally reckon with its past mistakes as the fight between reformers and hardliners continues.
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As financial panic descends on the world, the BRCC works to overcome its setbacks and internal divisions as the Ottoman police work tirelessly to uncover and destroy them. Meanwhile, the Great Powers are forming new alliances which will help determine the fate of Bulgaria and the Balkans.
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This episode covers the momentous and tragic events of 1872 and early 1873 as the Bulgarian Central Revolutionary Committee attempts to resolve its internal fractures and ultimately faces disaster.
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While more focus is generally put on published writings, we discuss the role of theater in Bulgarian culture during the mid 19th century. We also cover the emerging women's movement. Meanwhile, Bulgaria finally gets an Exarch who ends up locked in a political battle with the Patriarchate to determine the fate and future of the independent Bulgarian church.
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Even as the Ottoman government finally steps in to grant Bulgarians their own church, the issue remains far from resolved. Meanwhile, war between France and the North German Confederation marks the final nail in the coffin of the European balance of power. How will the newly formed German Empire affect the continent and Bulgaria's dreams of independence? Lastly, even as the BRCC makes progress under Levski and Karavelov, differing opinions about how the organization should function begin to create problems.
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As an experienced and well led band of cheta revolutionaries enters Bulgaria, what will they find? In this episode Bulgaria's revolutionary movement enters a new phase and clandestine committees are set up, pleas are made to the great powers, and the church question moves towards its conclusion.
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After years of writing, planning, and organizing, it's finally time for Georgi Rakovski to send bands of cheti into Bulgaria to begin stirring revolution. But with an unaware peasantry and Ottoman officials standing in their way, will they be able to make it out alive?
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As Bulgarian revolutionaries prepare for greater action against the Ottomans, the Austro-Prussian War sends Europe into a tailspin, remaking the geopolitical map. As a result, Serbia forms a grand alliance as everyone tries to find a way forward in the new normal.
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As Midhat Pasha takes over the newly formed Danube Vilayet intent on modernizing and transforming it into a model for the Empire, far off events disrupt his plans and throw much of Bulgaria into chaos. Meanwhile Romania faces disastrous reforms and political instability, a new Bulgarian revolutionary group is formed, and the debate over Bulgarian church independence rages on.
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This special episode is based on Marco Sholler's new book “This Unknown Land, how Geographers, Pharmacists, Novelists, Plant Hunters, War Correspondents, Engineers, Medical Men & Tourists Discovered & Experienced Nineteenth Century Bulgaria” and delves into how western Europeans experienced Bulgaria as visitors in the 19th century.
You can buy the book here: http://books.janet45.com/books/1485
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As Russia tries to position itself to set up a final agreement between advocates for an independent Bulgarian church and the Patriarchate, events get away from them. The Uniate church continues trying to reestablish itself, the Bulgarian Legion gains its first taste of battle, and the young Romanian state make critical progress towards reform.
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As the battle between supporters of an independent Bulgarian church and the Patriarchate heats up, the Uniate church becomes an even bigger concern for everyone involved. Meanwhile, revolutionary planning continues as Russia tries to convince Bulgarians to emigrate to Crimea and Rakovski tells them to stay. All the while there's a change in leadership in Constantinople and the beginning of another war in the Balkans. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us.
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Tobacco and coffeehouses are growing in importance as markers of social status and places to plan political change. Meanwhile, two new countries emerge on the European map as the Great Powers find a balance between those which desire greater power and those seeking to preserve the status quo. All the while, calls for an independent Bulgarian church grow as Russia and the Patriarchate view the growing Uniate movement with fear.
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Following Russia's defeat in the Crimean War, it's forced to change its geopolitical strategy in the Balkans. Shut out of the ability to exercise hard power, Russia steps up its soft power, getting involved as Bulgarians continue to seek greater education, an independent church, and the implementation of the 1856 reform edict. Meanwhile, Protestant missionaries arrive in greater numbers, Serbia is thrown into new turmoil, and the Ottoman treasury digs itself into an ever-deeper hole of debt.
You can check out Matt Grace's Ottoman course here: http://www.lang4life.com/
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As the Crimean War draws to a close, nothing much is changing and yet everything is changing. The war has helped bring even more European influence to Bulgaria, manifesting itself in everything from clothes and music to revolutionary ideas. This episode explores the political, legal, and cultural changes which are rapidly remaking Bulgaria as independence draws closer.
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With the outbreak of the Crimean War, Bulgarians rush to see how they can aid the Russian cause and appeal to the Tsar for assistance against the Ottomans. But as the first major European war in decades gets underway it quickly becomes clear that warfare and the politics behind it has changed.
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As the political fallout from the failed revolutions of 1848 reverberates throughout Europe, its impact finally reached Bulgaria as refugees flood the region around Vidin and help trigger an uprising there. Meanwhile, the cracks in the Concert of Europe are finally beginning to show as France, Britain, and Russia all push hard to see their own interests upheld within the Ottoman Empire. As conflict looms, what will become of the conservative order that's fought to uphold the Ottoman status quo against Bulgarian fights for independence?
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After the Great Powers of Europe spend the post-Napoleonic decades suppressing revolutionary movements in Ottoman lands, they finally face a revolution of their own. Meanwhile, Bulgarians engage in a ferocious political battle with the Greek-dominated Patriarchate and continue the steady work of building the Bulgarian Revival. With Europe rising up and demanding more democratic nation states, what will become of Bulgaria's demand for the same?
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As the young Abdulmejid I takes the throne, he has to immediately contend with the "Eastern Crisis" of 1840. Meanwhile, he launches the Tanzimat reforms, kicking off a continuation of his fathers reforms which trigger yet more revolts in Bulgaria and beyond. Now, more than ever, these revolts are being spearheaded by a growing young class of professional revolutionaries. Meanwhile, elsewhere in Bulgaria, yet more books are published, schools are opened, and anger with the Greek-dominated Orthodox Church deepens.
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As the Bulgarian National Revival ramps up with more and more books being published, rebellions break out throughout the Balkans. Mahmud's reforms trigger elites angry about their status being threatened and Balkan Christians angry the reforms are not being implemented. Meanwhile, Sultan Mahmud II is feeling confident that his reformed military can take on the Egyptians.
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In the aftermath of the fighting over Greece's independence, we take a moment to reflect on the stage being set for Bulgaria in the 19th century: the great power politics, mismatch between political dreams and realities, and changing Ottoman reality. Meanwhile, Egypt make a move to form an Empire and the Ottomans find an unlikely ally.
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As the Greek situation in their war of independence looks worse and worse, Sultan Mahmud II finally executes his masterstroke to begin reforming the Empire. But, with European sentiments towards the Greeks and Ottomans changing, the geopolitics of the Balkans are about to change dramatically.
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Following Serbia's successful revolt, the Greeks no see whether they can overcome the Ottoman military and Europe's newfound anti-revolutionary conservatism to gain their independence. Meanwhile, new wealth, stability, and writings are laying the groundwork for the Bulgarian National Revival.
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With the end of the Napoleonic Wars, the European powers are defining a new way to relate to one another. Alongside this new "concert of Europe" comes a new distaste for revolutionary anti-Ottoman movements. In this new context, the Second Serbian Uprising will rise with a new leader and aim to fulfill at least some of the promises of the first. Meanwhile, the Ottoman Empire itself will finally begin to bring some peace and prosperity back to its Balkan territories.
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As the Serbian Uprising and the Napoleonic Wars rage, shifting alliances create new geopolitical realities before anyone can adapt. Meanwhile, the Ottomans frantically try to reform themselves to survive in this fast-changing world. Amidst the chaos, a new Sultan comes to power who may just have what it takes.
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This episode recaps the second half of Season 5, beginning with the 1683 Battle of Vienna and following how the 18th century fundamentally reshaped the Ottoman Empire as the central government lost power to the Janissaries and local Ayans as the Ottomans gradually lost territory.
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This episode recaps the first half of Season 5, beginning from the death of Suleiman and covering the long Ottoman wars with the Habsburgs, Safavids, Russians, and Principalities. In the process, we see how the Empire weakens as the Sultans lose power and the Janissaries gain it.
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As the Ottomans struggle to fight Janissary supremacy and rampant banditry within their own borders, the twists and turns of the Napoleonic Wars are throwing redrawing the map of Europe. In the midst of it all, new alliances will be created as the Serbs fight to gain their independence.
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With internal rebellions and powerful empires at the gates, the Ottomans are looking weaker than ever. However, the entrance of a certain Napoleon Bonaparte onto the stage will reshape the entire European world, Ottomans included.
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As war between the Ottomans and the powerful Russian Empire intensifies, the resulting treaty will help redefine the Ottoman place in Europe and set in motion a set of Russian ambitions that defines Europe even today. Bulgaria for its part will find a new direction to look for aid as abuse at the hands of local Ottoman officials intensifies.
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The longest ever period of peace between the Ottomans and the European powers comes to an end just as Ottoman decentralization and increasing religious conservatism are making life unbearable for many Bulgarians. The resulting war will yet again reshape the Ottoman world, but will it bring any respite for Bulgaria?
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For the first all, all of the neighboring empires of the Ottomans decide it's time to strike the weakened power. Meanwhile, further state decentralization is bringing abuses of power and unrest to Bulgarian lands as the groundwork for the coming national revival is slowly laid.
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Following the devastating losses of the Treaty if Karlowitz, the Ottomans enter a period of sumptuous consumption which begins to reshape the Empire politically, economically, and administratively. But the rest of the world isn't holding still as events quickly reshape the world to the East, bringing new wars to the Ottoman doorstep.
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In the aftermath of the Treaty of Karlowitz, the Ottomans have suffered perhaps the greatest series of setbacks in their history. With a new Sultan on the throne, the question of whether and how they can recover hangs in the air. It's the year 1700 and the world is changing fast. But, can the Ottomans change with it?
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As the Austrian army closes in on Bulgarian lands, uprisings begin anew. But will the inspiration of men like Petar Parchevich and Petar Bogdan be enough? And when this long series of wars with the Ottomans finally comes to an end, what new world will emerge? In short, some things will change forever while others will stay exactly the same...
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As the Great Turkish War expands and intensifies, the Ottomans are pushed back on nearly every front. Greece and Hungary see historic changes as palace intrigue struggles to cope with the disasters facing the Ottomans. But is it all enough for a new Bulgarian uprising to find success?
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Despite a recent failed attack on Austria, Ottoman support for Protestant Hungarian Rebels against the Austrians has made war inevitable. As the largest Ottoman army ever assembled arrives at the gates of Vienna, the most consequential clash in a century begins.
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As the Venetian war in Crete winds down, new ones pop up with the Hapsburgs, Poles, and Russians. The Ottomans, led by the Köprülü Viziers are still expanding their territory and reforming themselves, but how long can it last as the pressures of a changing Europe make themselves felt on the Ottoman world?
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One of the most devastating wars in European history is coming to an end, shaping the continent for centuries to come. At the same time, a new state is rising on the Ottoman frontier, a great European power is in terminal decline, murder and intrigue are ravaging the palace, and a new dynasty is stepping up to rule the Empire.
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An Ottoman governor goes rogue and starts a war, the Sultan marches East at the head of his army for the first time in decades, and palace intrigue threatens everyone alike.
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As the dynamic young Sultan Osman II tried to reform the Empire, it turns out the Empire would rather not be reformed. Rebellions, invasions, corruption, and murder follow as the Ottoman Empire continues its struggle to modernize in a fast changing world.
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The Ottomans are being challenged by the Spanish on the seas, by the Safavids in the East, and by a chaotic political situation in the Balkans. Meanwhile, the Sultanate will experience an unprecedented transition of power and two mad men will lead whole regions of the Ottoman world into an uncertain future.
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From taxes and the army to trade and the economy, the Ottoman Empire is changing. In the first half of this episode, we go over those changes as the 17th century finally dawns. Then, we see the Ottomans face a two front war as rebellions continue to tear the world apart as the Empires desperately search for some stability.
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From Thessaly to Anatolia and even in Bulgaria itself, rebellions continue to challenge Ottoman domination as a new force rises up to unite Moldavia, Romania, and Transylvania for the first time.
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As corruption and mismanagement ravage the Ottoman Empire, rebellions spread ever further and three vassal states finally rise up to fight the Sultan. But with changes of leadership, murder, coups, and massive armies all on the prowl, what will emerge from the ashes?
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As the Ottomans focus on fighting the Safavids off to the East, economic pressures are leading to increasing corruption and abuse of power throughout the Empire.
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With the coming of a fourth Ottoman-Venetian war, the power balance of the Mediterranean will be remade. Can Venice survive yet another Ottoman onslaught? Will the Christian powers of Europe unite to resist further Ottoman expansion in the Mediterranean?
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The sons of Suleiman fight to the death to see who will control the Empire as geopolitics leads to the rising power of a class of powerful pirates in the Mediterranean. Meanwhile, a con man takes control of Moldavia and things get weird.
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This episode recaps the Ottoman civil war, the doubling of the Ottoman Empire under Sultan Selim, more intense fighting between the Hungarians and Austrians, and the rise of Sultan Suleiman to bring the Ottoman Empire to its Zenith.
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This episode recaps the first century or so of Ottoman rule following the destruction of the Second Bulgarian Empire, focusing on the rise of Hungary, battles between the Ottomans and Venice, conquest of Constantinople, revolt of Skanderbeg, and fighting between the Ottomans and Moldavia and Wallachia.
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Often, the Bulgarian experience in the Ottoman Empire is portrayed as a singular one. In this episode, I unpack why that's wrong by delving into the experience of all kinds of Bulgarians during the first two centuries of Ottoman rule.
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The Ottomans are pushing on all fronts, attempting to exert control in the Persian Gulf, Mediterranean Sea, and Central Europe. But as Suleiman grows older, the question lingers in the air: how much longer can the Ottoman Empire keep up its expansion?
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As Suleiman juggles wars in the East and the West, he finally takes the bold step of extending the frontier farther towards the heart of Europe. As intrigues swirl around the courts of Hungary, Moldavia, and Wallachia, these events will reshape the alliances of Europe several times over. When the dust settles, Suleiman will have to decide where he goes next.
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As Sultan Suleiman marches toward the Hungarian border with the full might of the Ottoman Imperial Army at his back, who can stop him? The Hungarians? The Habsburgs?
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As a young man brimming with energy takes the Ottoman throne, the West is distracted. As shifting alliances and internal divisions turn one of the great European powers into a shadow of its former self, where will young Suleiman direct his wrath?
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The West raises yet another crusade against the Ottomans as their new Sultan Selim I prepares for the greatest bout of conquest the Ottoman Empire has yet seen. By the time the smoke clears, the stage will be set for a new era of Ottoman history.
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Chaos engulfs Walachia and Moldavia while earthquakes and civil war come to the Ottomans. All the while, the rising power of the Safavids in the East will finally challenge the Ottomans. The results will set a new course for the Ottomans in the Middle East.
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As the Europeans attempt to pull together an alliance for another anti-Ottoman Crusade and a second Ottoman-Venetian war comes into play, can the European Powers set aside their differences?
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Two brothers will fight for the Hungarian throne as Eastern and Central Europe are reshaped by new rulers. Far to the West, a new continent is discovered and a new people are welcomed into the Ottoman Empire.
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Sultan Mehmed II's son Bayezid II has come to the throne while his brother starts a civil war to gain the throne for himself. The question as to how this second Ottoman Civil War will affect the Empire. How will Moldavia, Wallachia, Hungary, Poland, and others respond? This episode will also see the death of one of the greatest leaders of the region, while another such leader will reach a new low point in his struggle against the Ottomans.
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The Ottomans are on the offensive following their victory over Venice. The question is: where will the blows strike and will Sultan Mehmed's enemies be able to resist? In the process the greatest fears of many in the West will finally come to pass.
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Following his humiliation defeat in the depths of winter, Sultan Mehmed is out for revenge against Stephen the Great of Moldavia. Then, he's ready to end the 16 year long Ottoman-Venetian war once and for all. For Mehmed, it's come down to score settling.
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Feeling secure in the Balkans despite his ongoing war with Venice, Sultan Mehmed moves to Anatolia to challenge another Turkic state challenging the Ottomans for dominance. Then, a small European power will challenge him for its life.
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Youtube video on the Battle of Otlukbeli: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzEe07d_J7o
Youtube video on the Battle of Vaslui: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKFhubbLQd0&t=13s
With the Ottomans dominant in Morea, they can focus their full attention on Albania and Skanderbeg. The question is, can Skanderbeg continue to defeat the ever-larger Ottoman armies invading Albania and will the Italians and Venetians send the help they've promised?
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Mehmed's relentless expansion continues unabated as another kingdom falls and war begins with Venice. But can the Pope bring together a new crusade to resist the Ottomans?
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After some setbacks, Sultan Mehmed really gets his conquests underway, mounting invasions in Anatolia, Albania, Greece, and Serbia. His moniker may come from Constantinople, but now we will see Mehmed Conquer.
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Following his conquest of Constantinople, Mehmed sets his eyes on new conquests: namely the destruction of Serbia.
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It's finally here, after years of preparation, Sultan Mehmed is ready to deal a killing blow to the Byzantine Empire. With an army at his back, he's coming for Constantinople.
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The militant regent of Hungary John Hunyadi won't take no for an answer, so he musters the forces of the west for a final crusade.
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The west gathers its strength for a strike at the Ottomans on Bulgarian lands with the last Bulgarian royal in tow. But what will they find on the shores of the Black Sea?
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The new Sultan is still a teenager but he's got revolts to put down and enemies to conquer. But it's not going to be easy.
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The plan was that following the Ottoman Civil War, some peace and consolidation was what the Empire needed. But things turned out very differently...
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Following its disastrous loss at the Battle of Ankara and the capture of its Sultan Bayezid, the Ottoman Empire descends into civil war. Now, the Bulgarians, Wallachians, Byzantines, Hungarians, and Serbs are aiming to see what they can gain from the ensuing chaos.
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As the West reels from the Battle of Nicopolis, Beyazid goes to Anatolia to challenge a powerful new rival fresh off building a massive empire in Central Asia. The outcome of their struggle will change everything for the Ottomans.
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The second half of two shows recapping the history of the Second Bulgarian Empire.
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The first half of two shows recapping the history of the Second Bulgarian Empire.
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Find more info and images for each episode at bghistorypodcast.com
At the end of the Second Bulgarian Empire, let's recap what happened during the roughly 150 years of Byzantine Domination that led to the founding of that Empire.
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With Bulgaria reduced to just Vidin, can a Crusade of the finest French knights and a Hungarian King finally change the balance of power in the Balkans. An Empire will end, the question is, which one?
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From Anatolia to the Adriatic, from the Black Sea to Thessaly, Sultan Bayezid is expanding his empire in all directions. However, there are new challenges to Ottoman dominance coming.
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As the Ottomans under Murad march to conquest to the East, North, South, and West, the people of the Balkans begin to resist. But will it be enough?
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As the Ottomans expand, the Balkan states gradually become simple vassals.
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As we reflect on the end of 4 decades of rule by Tsar Ivan Alexander, what can we see but a wasted golden age?
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Forces gather to check the growing power of the Ottomans but nothing goes according to plan.
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In the first ever podcast extra, I explain how one of the worst terrorist attacks of the 20th century happened on Bulgarian soil, and how it relates to Game of Thrones.
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As the Byzantines, Serbs, and Bulgarians battle it out, there is one clear winner in it all. And it is in this moment, that all the wars become civil wars.
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Civil War returns to Byzantium as a new Empire emerges in the Balkans.
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A new Ruler rises out of Vidin, he's young, brash, confident, and ready to take on Serbia and the Byzantines. But he had no idea what lays in store for the first of the Shishmani to rule in Turnovo.
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Civil war comes to Constantinople, death comes to Turnovo, and Osman comes to Anatolia.
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Coups, murders, and invasions continue as chaos surrounds the throne of Turnovo.
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A paralyzed Tsar faces off against a world of enemies and a lowly pig farmer leads an empire-shattering rebellion.
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As Bulgaria wrestles with the prospect of civil war, a new Empire emerges. In this episode, the entire region is remade.
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Can Bulgaria survive the fury of the Mongols and the reigns of children?
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In this episode, a Kingdom will become an Empire and an Empire will vanish. Alliances will be made and broken many times over, and Bulgaria will find itself at a pivotal moment.
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With the murder of Kaloyan, the extended members of the Asen family flee in all directions as Boril (the murderer?) comes to power. Can Boril hold onto the throne when family and foreign powers alike want him dead?
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In the aftermath of the fall of Constantinople, the world is more chaotic than it's been in living memory. How will Tsar Kaloyan respond?
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The Fourth Crusade goes wildly off track. The results will change everything.
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As the Byzantine Empire descends into chaos, three brothers all rise to become Tsars of the new Bulgarian state.
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As the Komnenian Restoration collapses, what new empire will emerge from the ashes?
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A Byzantine Emperor dreams of a new Roman Empire dominating the Mediterranean world. Where will his dreams take him and the European world?
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Crusaders are heading for Jerusalem, someone is invading the Balkans, and the Seljuks are getting serious. Europe is changing fast, but where will it all lead?
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Byzantium reaches new heights under a new Emperor and war returns to the Balkans. But what does it mean for Bulgaria?
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With Pechenegs, Seljuks, Cumans, and Crusaders are all at the gates. Who will remake the future of Bulgaria and the Balkans?
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The Normans are mounting a full invasion of the Byzantine controlled Balkans. After centuries away, the West is returning.
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When the entire Byzantine world rises up against Constantinople, will the Bulgarians emerge from the ashes?
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As the Byzantines are assaulted on all sides, an uprising is prepared for a descendent of Tsar Samuil. Another head will be crowned, but can it remain?.
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A series of poor emperors weaken the Byzantines, a Bulgarian finally sits on the imperial throne, and a traitor is revealed. But as the Byzantines falter, their enemies look on with anticipation.
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In this episode it's Domination, Rebellion, and more Domination. We're finally going to see how the Byzantines rule Bulgaria, and how the Bulgarians feel about being ruled.
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In this episode we go look back at the second half of the First Bulgarian Empire in part 2 of a two part recap episode. Your support for these shows in appreciated.
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In this episode we go look back at the first half of the First Bulgarian Empire in part 1 of a two part recap episode. Your support for these shows in appreciated.
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And so it has come to this. 337 years after Asparukh first defeated the Byzantines and established a new state on the fringe of their world that state has finally been destroyed. The dream fo so many Byzantine Emperors has been fulfilled. Now it remains to be seen what will happen to Bulgaria and the Bulgarians as they adjust to their new status as Byzantine subjects.
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The story of Tsar Samuil comes to a close as one of the most consequential battles of Bulgarian history sends the First Bulgarian Empire towards its end.
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Tsar Samuil fights back as the Byzantine Emperor Basil II takes his time stripping away territories and options. Each year Basil campaigns, the noose gets a little bit tighter...
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Following the collapse of the Eastern half of the Bulgarian Empire, the grandson of an Armenian King will take the reigns to fight disaster. But, how long can he succeed?
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Bulgaria is caught between the might of the Kievan Rus and the fury of Byzantium. A Centuries old dynasty will fade to dust, but will Bulgaria perish as well? By a thread…
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The Byzantine Empire faces one of the worst defeats in its history, an emperor is crowned beyond the walls of Constantinople, and Simeon the Great earns his title.
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The 10th century was a time of religious radicals. Bulgaria will fight for survival as hermits and heretics reject the very foundations of its power.
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Tsar Peter I, son of the conqueror Tsar Simeon attempts to bring peace to his Empire and allow it to enjoy the fruits of his father's conquests. But the world around Bulgaria isn't about to sit quietly. Can Peter hold onto the gains of his father and resist pressure from all sides?
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The young Tsar Simeon shows the world what he's made of, making a bold strike against the Byzantines and expanding Bulgaria's size to encompass nearly the entire Balkans. But how secure is his throne and can Bulgaria sustain all that he's won?
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With the new title comes a new religion as Tsar Boris attempts to transform Bulgaria into a Christian European power. But how will the devoutly pagan Boyars treat this change they've been fighting for decades? Then, in part 2 of the episode, we'll hear how saints Cyril and Methodius set the groundwork for an alphabet that will one day be used by hundreds of millions.
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It's time for the Pagans to strike back, as the Boyars and their ally take the throne and attempt to turn back the clock on Bulgaria's religious transformation.
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Conversion, fratricide, guerrilla warfare, and a rising power in the West are what greet the successors of Omurtag as an era of Bulgarian history draws to a close.
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Krum is dead, and with him his dream of conquering Constantinople. Now, his son Omurtag is only a boy and it remains to be seen whether he can wrangle the Boyars and the Byzantines to save Bulgaria.
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A new Khan rises to power intent on crushing the Byzantines underfoot. The thing is, he just might have the cunning, skill, and brutality to do it.
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The Boyar reign of terror continues as they fight amongst themselves to decide the future of Bulgaria, and whether it will have a future. Will the pagan Proto-Bulgarians continue their dominance or will a new and more inclusive state form? Everything hangs in the balance.
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With the central power of the Khans weakened, the noble Boyars have taken over. One after one, they murder and exile their way through leader after leader. The question is whether the state can survive the chaos as a strong new Byzantine Emperor takes the reigns and sets his sights on Bulgaria's destruction.
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"Avitohol lived 300 years. His clan was Dulo and he ascended to the throne in the fourth year of the serpent."
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So we find Bulgaria at the beginning of the 8th century still dangerously positioned on what was so recently Byzantine land, sandwiched between one of the great empires of the day and a vast and dangerous steppe full of volatile tribes. But the new Bulgarian state had just survived what history has shown time and time again to be one of the most dangerous moments of statehood: a transition of power.
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In the last episode we discussed the complex and chaotic series of events which led to the breakup of the Old Great Bulgaria based around modern Ukraine. We saw how and why the Slavs and the Proto-Bulgarians under Asparukh migrated down into the Balkans and how the Byzantines failed to stop them in spectacular style.
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It's the year 680. Byzantium marches with full strength to eradicate “a foul tribe” which has entered their borders fleeing an even more powerful steppe tribe behind them. What could go wrong?
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The shifting contours of this debate have often reflected not only academic interest, but political ones. Today we discuss the very controversial topic of the Bulgarian origins.
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Introduction to the series from Eric David Halsey. My background and hopes for this series.
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Seeing as the next 100+ episodes are going to be audio, it's essential to begin with a good picture of the basic geography of Bulgaria and the Balkans
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