Renewed Bulgarian Problems

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Renewed Bulgarian Problems

Causes

  • 1885 revolt in Eastern Rumelia in favour of a union with Bulgaria
  • Britain at the Treaty of Berlin had assumed Russia would dominate Bulgaria
  • Russia treated Bulgaria as its satellite
  • Prince of Bulgaria accepted the demands of the Rumelian movement for unity
  • Austria-Hungary and Germany supported Russia (their ally)
  • Britain suggested a 'Personal Union' - 2 provinces linked under the Prince of Bulgaria
  • Tsar not happy with Personal Union and forced the Prince of Bulgaria to abdicate. It was possible that Russia would invade Bulgaria.
  • Bismarck refused to take sides

Effects

  • -
  • Britain wanted Bulgaria to be as small as possible
  • Russia had created resentment in Bulgaria and Bulgaria expelled all Russian officials
  • Tsar was furious and Russia condemned Bulgaria for violating the treaty
  • -
  • Personal Union accepted because France and Italy backed it
  • Austria Hungary became worried and warned Russia against further interference in 1886
  • Tsar refused to renew Dreikaiserbund

Overall summary

Bismarck proposed a secret Russian-German alliance to prevent Russia alliancing with France. However, the Dreikaiserbund was broken.

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