History of BulgariaHistory of Bulgaria
Cut-out detail; background removed. Cross with a ribbon and a standing lion in the centre.
Memorial cross

Bulgarian independence 1908 · 20th century

How Ferdinand became Tsar

Why does the prince declare independence?

9 scenes · 4 min · Sources · 17

StartListen

A treaty leaves Bulgaria dependent on the Sultan. A strike, a manifesto and negotiations change its status.

A group of men in military uniforms and formal clothes outdoors.
Archive

Part 1 · 20th century

A prince, a parliament and a tax

Bulgaria has a prince, a parliament and an army. Parliament is an assembly of representatives that helps make laws. The prince heads the state. Why declare independence in 1908?

The 1878 Berlin treaty defines Bulgaria as an autonomous principality, a state ruled by a prince. “Autonomous” means it runs its internal affairs. Yet it remains under the Ottoman Sultan, ruler of the Ottoman Empire. The treaty requires Bulgaria to pay him a tax. In 1908 this dependence has still not been removed.

Listen to scene · 1

Synthetic voice · 0:35
Sources · 3
  1. Great Britain, Austria-Hungary, France, Germany, Italy, Russia and the Ottoman Empire; transmitted by Horace Maynard Treaty of Berlin, 13 July (English translation); enclosure to Maynard to Evarts, 28 September Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States · 1878
  2. Учредително народно събрание; Народно събрание на Република България (digital edition) Конституция на Българското княжество PDF Народно събрание: История · 1879
  3. Национален военноисторически музей Обявяване на независимостта на България – 1908 г.
Interior of the Holy Forty Martyrs Church with stone columns.
Geographic context, without historical bordersGeographic context, without historical borders12
Geographic context, without historical borders

Part 2 · 20th century

The two parts unite

South of the Balkan Mountains, the treaty creates Eastern Rumelia. This province has its own local government, but remains under the Sultan’s direct authority. In 1885 it unites with the Bulgarian principality. The two parts are now governed together. But under the treaty, Bulgaria remains under the Sultan’s authority.

Listen to scene · 2

Synthetic voice · 0:20
Sources · 5
  1. Great Britain, Austria-Hungary, France, Germany, Italy, Russia and the Ottoman Empire; transmitted by Horace Maynard Treaty of Berlin, 13 July (English translation); enclosure to Maynard to Evarts, 28 September Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States · 1878
  2. Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria History
  3. Russian, Ottoman and Bulgarian governments; Jean-Pierre Maury (digital compilation) Indépendance de la Bulgarie, 1908: proclamation et protocoles Digithèque de matériaux juridiques et politiques, Université de Perpignan (online edition ©2010) · 1909
  4. Община Велико Търново Държавата предоставя църквата „Св. Четиридесет мъченици“
  5. Powerfox File:Holy Forty Martyrs Church, Veliko Tarnovo.jpg Wikimedia Commons

Part 3 · 20th century

Activity: what is still missing?

What still limits Bulgaria after unification in 1885?

  1. The Sultan’s authority
  2. The existence of a parliament
  3. The existence of a Bulgarian army
Why is that?

The two parts are governed together, but the Sultan’s authority under the treaty remains until independence is proclaimed.

Correct · The Sultan’s authority

  1. Great Britain, Austria-Hungary, France, Germany, Italy, Russia and the Ottoman Empire; transmitted by Horace Maynard Treaty of Berlin, 13 July (English translation); enclosure to Maynard to Evarts, 28 September Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States · 1878
  2. Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria History

Listen to scene · 3

Synthetic voice · 0:05
Sources · 2
  1. Great Britain, Austria-Hungary, France, Germany, Italy, Russia and the Ottoman Empire; transmitted by Horace Maynard Treaty of Berlin, 13 July (English translation); enclosure to Maynard to Evarts, 28 September Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States · 1878
  2. Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria History
A group of men in military uniforms and formal clothes outdoors.
Archive

Part 4 · 20th century

Who controls the rails?

In September 1908, Eastern Railways employees go on strike. Some lines lie in Bulgaria. But the treaty preserves Ottoman rights over them. The Bulgarian state takes control and sends railway workers and soldiers. The railway dispute can also be understood as a dispute over state authority.

Aleksandar Malinov, the head of government, presses for action. The government decides to declare independence.

Listen to scene · 4

Synthetic voice · 0:27
Sources · 3
  1. Национален военноисторически музей Обявяване на независимостта на България – 1908 г.
  2. Николай Гълъбов Роля и развитие на обществения сектор в областта на транспортната инфраструктура на България (1879–1947 г.) PDF Икономическа мисъл / Economic Thought, Institute for Economic Research, BAS · 2018 · LXIII · 73–98
  3. Great Britain, Austria-Hungary, France, Germany, Italy, Russia and the Ottoman Empire; transmitted by Horace Maynard Treaty of Berlin, 13 July (English translation); enclosure to Maynard to Evarts, 28 September Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States · 1878
Printed sheet with a manifesto heading, the decision’s text and ministers’ names.

Part 5 · 20th century

Ferdinand reads the manifesto

On 22 September 1908 in Bulgaria’s calendar of the time, Ferdinand reads the manifesto. This happens in the Holy Forty Martyrs Church in Tarnovo. A manifesto is a public address announcing an important decision. Bulgaria is proclaimed an independent kingdom. Ferdinand takes the title tsar, meaning the kingdom’s ruler.

Then Malinov reads it to the people on Tsarevets hill.

1 · Manifesto
This is a printed sheet. The story’s sources do not establish whether Ferdinand read from this exact sheet.
2 · Independent kingdom
Here is the decision: united Bulgaria is proclaimed an independent kingdom.
3 · Ferdinand and the ministers
Below Ferdinand’s name are the ministers’ printed names, including Prime Minister Aleksandar Malinov.

Listen to scene · 5

Synthetic voice · 0:25
Sources · 5
  1. Национален военноисторически музей Обявяване на независимостта на България – 1908 г.
  2. Стефан Паприков; Horace G. Knowles (forwarding dispatch) The Minister for Foreign Affairs to Minister Knowles, Tirnovo, 5 October; enclosure to Knowles to the Secretary of State, 6 October Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States · 1908
  3. Russian, Ottoman and Bulgarian governments; Jean-Pierre Maury (digital compilation) Indépendance de la Bulgarie, 1908: proclamation et protocoles Digithèque de matériaux juridiques et politiques, Université de Perpignan (online edition ©2010) · 1909
  4. Ferdinand I (text); Bulgarian Archives State Agency (digital copy) File:BASA-143K-1-124-1-Bulgarian Indipendence Manifesto 1908.jpg Wikimedia Commons
  5. Столична библиотека 22 септември – Ден на независимостта на България

Part 6 · 20th century

Activity: put the decisions in order

Put the events in order, earliest first.

  1. Treaty of Berlin
  2. Unification
  3. Railway strike
  4. Independence manifesto
Why is that?

The treaty precedes unification. The strike and takeover of the lines come before the manifesto is read.

Correct order

  1. Treaty of Berlin
  2. Unification
  3. Railway strike
  4. Independence manifesto
  1. Great Britain, Austria-Hungary, France, Germany, Italy, Russia and the Ottoman Empire; transmitted by Horace Maynard Treaty of Berlin, 13 July (English translation); enclosure to Maynard to Evarts, 28 September Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States · 1878
  2. Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria History
  3. Национален военноисторически музей Обявяване на независимостта на България – 1908 г.
  4. Russian, Ottoman and Bulgarian governments; Jean-Pierre Maury (digital compilation) Indépendance de la Bulgarie, 1908: proclamation et protocoles Digithèque de matériaux juridiques et politiques, Université de Perpignan (online edition ©2010) · 1909

Listen to scene · 6

Synthetic voice · 0:03
Sources · 4
  1. Great Britain, Austria-Hungary, France, Germany, Italy, Russia and the Ottoman Empire; transmitted by Horace Maynard Treaty of Berlin, 13 July (English translation); enclosure to Maynard to Evarts, 28 September Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States · 1878
  2. Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria History
  3. Национален военноисторически музей Обявяване на независимостта на България – 1908 г.
  4. Russian, Ottoman and Bulgarian governments; Jean-Pierre Maury (digital compilation) Indépendance de la Bulgarie, 1908: proclamation et protocoles Digithèque de matériaux juridiques et politiques, Université de Perpignan (online edition ©2010) · 1909
Printed sheet with a manifesto heading, the decision’s text and ministers’ names.

Part 7 · 20th century

Other states must respond

The manifesto announces a decision, but cannot oblige other states to recognise it. Minister Stefan Paprikov informs foreign representatives and seeks support for the declared independence. The Ottoman government and the Great Powers do not recognise it immediately. Negotiations follow. Proclamation and international recognition are therefore different events.

Listen to scene · 7

Synthetic voice · 0:22
Sources · 3
  1. Стефан Паприков; Horace G. Knowles (forwarding dispatch) The Minister for Foreign Affairs to Minister Knowles, Tirnovo, 5 October; enclosure to Knowles to the Secretary of State, 6 October Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States · 1908
  2. Russian, Ottoman and Bulgarian governments; Jean-Pierre Maury (digital compilation) Indépendance de la Bulgarie, 1908: proclamation et protocoles Digithèque de matériaux juridiques et politiques, Université de Perpignan (online edition ©2010) · 1909
  3. Национален военноисторически музей Обявяване на независимостта на България – 1908 г.
Cross with a ribbon and the inscription “22 September 1908” in the centre.
Cross with a ribbon and a standing lion in the centre.

Part 8 · 20th century

Two states sign an agreement

The Ottoman government and the Great Powers, the large influential states, do not immediately recognise independence. Negotiations follow.

On 6 April 1909 in the old calendar, Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire sign a protocol: a written agreement. In the new calendar, the date is 19 April. Through it, the Ottoman government recognises Bulgaria’s independence. The document promises religious freedom and equal rights to Muslims, followers of Islam. The Great Powers also give recognition, as does the United States that year.

Listen to scene · 8

Synthetic voice · 0:36
Sources · 7
  1. Russian, Ottoman and Bulgarian governments; Jean-Pierre Maury (digital compilation) Indépendance de la Bulgarie, 1908: proclamation et protocoles Digithèque de matériaux juridiques et politiques, Université de Perpignan (online edition ©2010) · 1909
  2. Norman Hutchinson Chargé Hutchinson to the Secretary of State, 30 April Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States · 1909 · 45
  3. Philander C. Knox, U.S. Department of State The Secretary of State to Chargé Hutchinson, 3 May Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States · 1909 · 45–46
  4. Office of the Historian, U.S. Department of State A Guide to the United States’ History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776: Bulgaria
  5. Министерство на външните работи на Република България Съединени американски щати (САЩ)
  6. Vassia Atanassova - Spiritia File:Bulgarian Commemorative Cross of the Independence of Bulgaria 1909 front.jpg Wikimedia Commons
  7. Vassia Atanassova - Spiritia File:Bulgarian Commemorative Cross of the Independence of Bulgaria 1909 back.jpg Wikimedia Commons

Part 9 · 20th century

Activity: person, document, object

Match each person or object to its role in the story.

  1. Ferdinand · Reads in church; becomes tsar
  2. Aleksandar Malinov · Heads government; reads on Tsarevets
  3. Constantinople protocol of 1909 · Settles Ottoman recognition of independence
  4. Commemorative independence cross · Commemorates independence
Why is that?

Ferdinand and Malinov read in different places. The protocol settles recognition; the cross commemorates the event.

  1. Национален военноисторически музей Обявяване на независимостта на България – 1908 г.
  2. Russian, Ottoman and Bulgarian governments; Jean-Pierre Maury (digital compilation) Indépendance de la Bulgarie, 1908: proclamation et protocoles Digithèque de matériaux juridiques et politiques, Université de Perpignan (online edition ©2010) · 1909
  3. Vassia Atanassova - Spiritia File:Bulgarian Commemorative Cross of the Independence of Bulgaria 1909 front.jpg Wikimedia Commons

Listen to scene · 9

Synthetic voice · 0:04
Sources · 3
  1. Национален военноисторически музей Обявяване на независимостта на България – 1908 г.
  2. Russian, Ottoman and Bulgarian governments; Jean-Pierre Maury (digital compilation) Indépendance de la Bulgarie, 1908: proclamation et protocoles Digithèque de matériaux juridiques et politiques, Université de Perpignan (online edition ©2010) · 1909
  3. Vassia Atanassova - Spiritia File:Bulgarian Commemorative Cross of the Independence of Bulgaria 1909 front.jpg Wikimedia Commons

A new find for your collection

The proclamation of independence in 1908 is followed by international recognition in 1909.

BalchikWhy did Marie’s house change countries?See how people lived and worked in another period.Georgi Ivanov · BaikonurInto orbit, without dockingMadara Rider · MadaraThe rider above the path

People in this story

Ferdinand IAleksandar MalinovIvan Stefanov GeshovStefan PaprikovFerdinand I · Rulers

Sources

  1. Николай Гълъбов Роля и развитие на обществения сектор в областта на транспортната инфраструктура на България (1879–1947 г.) PDF Икономическа мисъл / Economic Thought, Institute for Economic Research, BAS · 2018 · LXIII · 73–98
  2. Great Britain, Austria-Hungary, France, Germany, Italy, Russia and the Ottoman Empire; transmitted by Horace Maynard Treaty of Berlin, 13 July (English translation); enclosure to Maynard to Evarts, 28 September Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States · 1878
  3. Учредително народно събрание; Народно събрание на Република България (digital edition) Конституция на Българското княжество PDF Народно събрание: История · 1879
  4. Norman Hutchinson Chargé Hutchinson to the Secretary of State, 30 April Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States · 1909 · 45
  5. Philander C. Knox, U.S. Department of State The Secretary of State to Chargé Hutchinson, 3 May Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States · 1909 · 45–46
  6. Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria History
  7. Столична библиотека 22 септември – Ден на независимостта на България
  8. Министерство на външните работи на Република България Съединени американски щати (САЩ)
  9. Национален военноисторически музей Обявяване на независимостта на България – 1908 г.
  10. Стефан Паприков; Horace G. Knowles (forwarding dispatch) The Minister for Foreign Affairs to Minister Knowles, Tirnovo, 5 October; enclosure to Knowles to the Secretary of State, 6 October Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States · 1908
  11. Powerfox File:Holy Forty Martyrs Church, Veliko Tarnovo.jpg Wikimedia Commons
  12. Vassia Atanassova - Spiritia File:Bulgarian Commemorative Cross of the Independence of Bulgaria 1909 back.jpg Wikimedia Commons
  13. Vassia Atanassova - Spiritia File:Bulgarian Commemorative Cross of the Independence of Bulgaria 1909 front.jpg Wikimedia Commons
  14. Ferdinand I (text); Bulgarian Archives State Agency (digital copy) File:BASA-143K-1-124-1-Bulgarian Indipendence Manifesto 1908.jpg Wikimedia Commons
  15. Russian, Ottoman and Bulgarian governments; Jean-Pierre Maury (digital compilation) Indépendance de la Bulgarie, 1908: proclamation et protocoles Digithèque de matériaux juridiques et politiques, Université de Perpignan (online edition ©2010) · 1909
  16. Община Велико Търново Държавата предоставя църквата „Св. Четиридесет мъченици“
  17. Office of the Historian, U.S. Department of State A Guide to the United States’ History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776: Bulgaria

Images

Vassia Atanassova - Spiritia · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Commemorative independence cross, opposite side. Commons describes it as a decoration of 1909. The story’s sources do not establish this specimen’s manufacture date. Photographed in 2010 at the Vratsa Regional History Museum.

Open source

Full attribution

Photo: Vassia Atanassova – Spiritia, Wikimedia Commons. Public domain. Cut-out detail; background removed.

Archive

Photographer not established · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Archival photograph from Tarnovo, 1908. It does not show the reading inside the church.

Open source

Full attribution

The photographer is not established. Source: Wikimedia Commons, credit БИА (Bulgarian Historical Archive). Commons states Public domain. Processed image. Archival photograph

Powerfox · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Interior in 2016, after the church’s restoration in 2006. The photograph does not reproduce the exact setting of 1908.

Open source

Full attribution

Photo: Powerfox, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Unmodified. Processed image.

Ferdinand I · Public domain · Bulgarian Archives State Agency, 143К/1/124/1; via Wikimedia Commons

This is a printed sheet. The story’s sources do not establish whether Ferdinand read from this exact sheet.

Open source

Full attribution

Text: manifesto of Ferdinand I. Copy: Bulgarian Archives State Agency, fonds 143К, inventory 1, archival unit 124, sheet 1; via Wikimedia Commons. Public domain. Processed image.

Vassia Atanassova - Spiritia · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Commemorative independence cross. It bears the date 22 September 1908. Commons describes it as a decoration of 1909. Photographed in 2010 at the Vratsa Regional History Museum.

Open source

Full attribution

Photo: Vassia Atanassova – Spiritia, Wikimedia Commons. Public domain. Processed image.

Vassia Atanassova - Spiritia · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Commemorative independence cross, opposite side. Commons describes it as a decoration of 1909. The story’s sources do not establish this specimen’s manufacture date. Photographed in 2010 at the Vratsa Regional History Museum.

Open source

Full attribution

Photo: Vassia Atanassova – Spiritia, Wikimedia Commons. Public domain. Processed image.

Geographic context, without historical borders

Tom Patterson · Nathaniel Vaughn Kelso · Public domain · Natural Earth

Open source

Full attribution

Tom Patterson · Nathaniel Vaughn Kelso