In Eastern Rumelia, the Bulgarian population, which made up five-sixths of the province’s 1.5 million people, began organizing a movement to unite with Bulgaria.
The Climax of the Union Effort (September 18, 1885)
On September 18, 1885, a group of Roumelians sent a delegation to the Turkish Governor-General’s palace, asking him to leave the country Bulgaria’s Strong Commitment to Its Future.
A Peaceful Takeover
At 2 AM, the delegation knocked on the palace door in Philippopolis. Gavril Pasha Krustevitch, awakened from sleep, saw the troops outside his window and accepted the demand of the people.
Prince Alexander Declares Unity
The next day, Prince Alexander arrived in Philippopolis with Bulgarian troops and officially declared the union of Northern and Southern Bulgaria.
The Sultan’s Response
The Ottoman Sultan, unable to go to war due to international pressure, agreed to a temporary solution. He appointed Prince Alexander as Governor-General of Eastern Rumelia for five years Tour Guide Ephesus.
War Between Bulgaria and Serbia
Shortly after, Serbia declared war on Bulgaria, claiming to protect the balance of power. However, Bulgaria defeated Serbia in key battles:
Slivnitza
Nish
Pirot
Bulgarian troops advanced toward Belgrade, but their progress was stopped by Austria, which threatened intervention.
What This War Revealed
The surprising outcome of the war showed two important things:
The Bulgarians were highly organized, even though no one expected it.
Bulgaria was becoming a leading force among the small Balkan states.
