Kingdom of Bulgaria
The Kingdom of Bulgaria was a historical period in the history of Bulgaria that spanned from 1908 until 1946. Here are some key aspects of this period:
Establishment and Independence
- In 1908, Bulgaria, which had been under the suzerainty of the Ottoman Empire since the Treaty of San Stefano in 1878, declared full independence. Prince Ferdinand I proclaimed himself Tsar (King) of Bulgaria on September 22, 1908.
- This act marked the end of Ottoman suzerainty over Bulgaria, although the formal recognition of Bulgaria's independence was not immediate.
Major Events
- Balkan Wars (1912-1913): Bulgaria participated in the First Balkan War against the Ottoman Empire, gaining territories but losing some in the subsequent Second Balkan War due to conflicts with neighboring countries over the division of the spoils.
- World War I: Bulgaria entered World War I on the side of the Central Powers in 1915, hoping to regain territories lost in the Second Balkan War. The defeat in 1918 led to significant territorial losses under the Treaty of Neuilly-sur-Seine.
- Interwar Period: The interwar years saw Bulgaria under a parliamentary system, with periods of political instability, economic difficulties, and efforts towards agrarian and industrial reforms.
- World War II: Bulgaria initially remained neutral but joined the Axis Powers in 1941. The country declared war on the United States and United Kingdom in 1941 but did not engage in combat against them. Bulgaria managed to save its Jewish population from the Holocaust, which is a unique aspect of its participation in WWII.
End of the Kingdom
- The end of WWII brought significant political changes. With the Soviet Union's influence growing in Eastern Europe, a communist government was established in Bulgaria in 1946.
- On September 8, 1946, a referendum was held, and Bulgaria was declared a People's Republic, marking the official end of the Kingdom of Bulgaria.
Notable Figures
- Ferdinand I - The first Tsar of Bulgaria, who declared independence.
- Boris III - Ruled during WWII, known for his diplomatic efforts to protect Bulgarian Jews.
Sources
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