The Bulgarian History Podcast

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-feast Check 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-tide Check 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-descends Check 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-devils Check 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-grip Check 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-knell Check 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-democracy Check 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-test Check 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-lev Check 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-house Check 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-govern Check 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-checkmate Check 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-decree Check 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-strike Check 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-gather Learn 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-shot Learn 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-depression Learn 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-2 Learn more about the book and sign up for updates here: https://thisisbulgaria.org/state-suilders-from-the-steppe/ Check out the book here: www.amazon.com/State-Builders-St…an/dp/6197814110/

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 Check out the book here: www.amazon.com/State-Builders-St…an/dp/6197814110/

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-pressure Waiting 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 Check out the book here: www.amazon.com/State-Builders-St…an/dp/6197814110/

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/220-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-charge Support 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