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…

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 c…

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: …

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/bulgar…

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 th…

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.c…

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…

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 …

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.…

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 …

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 …

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 t…

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?Suppor…

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 happ…

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 t…

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 th…

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/bulgar…

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 …

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…

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 ca…

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/…

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…

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…

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 supportin…

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 …

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 th…

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…

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.bghistory…

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?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: …

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.Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get f…

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 fu…

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…

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.Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see …

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.Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgaria…

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…

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 p…

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/bulgarianhistorypodca…

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 image…

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! …

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 …

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…

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 u…

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/pos…

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/bu…

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/po…

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 t…

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.Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the …

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.Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodca…

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.Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to se…