The Bulgarian History Podcast

As war officially comes to Bulgaria and much of the rest of the world, it becomes gradually more clear that this conflict is going to be larger and more dangerous than previously imagined. 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/264-widening-war Check out the book here: a.co/d/0iKfCu6f

Throughout the Balkans, partisan and resistance movements as well as the violence needed to keep them in check both escalate. The results are death and repression on a scale the region has not seen in decades. 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/263-escalation Check out the book here: a.co/d/0iKfCu6f

The German invasion of the Soviet Union marks the end of the "perfect solution for Bulgaria." Now, the country faces a new partisan threat alongside the prospect of a wider and even more dangerous 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/262-barbarossa Check out the book here: a.co/d/0iKfCu6f

Letting you all know that Patreon will be switching to monthly billing starting on September 21st.

As Bulgaria begins to establish its occupation structures in its newly acquired territories, good intentions quickly evaporate and ugly harsh realities come to the forefront. 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/261-harsh-realities Check out the book here: a.co/d/0iKfCu6f

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-again Check 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-yugoslavia Check 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-reaction Supporters 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-pact Supporters 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-nation Supporters 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-twisting Supporters 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

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

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