Bulgaria

Some of the key events about Bulgaria

• 681

  The First Bulgarian Empire was established, marking the beginning of Bulgarian statehood
• 864

  Bulgaria officially adopted Christianity as its state religion
• 1185

  The Second Bulgarian Empire was founded, ushering in a period of cultural and economic prosperity
• 1396

  The Ottoman Empire conquered Bulgaria, beginning nearly 500 years of Ottoman rule
• 1876

  The April Uprising against Ottoman rule was brutally suppressed
• 1878

  Bulgaria gained autonomy from the Ottoman Empire following the Russo-Turkish War
• 1908

  Bulgaria declared full independence and became a sovereign state
• 1913

  Bulgaria suffered a devastating defeat in the Second Balkan War
• 1923

  A military coup overthrew the democratically elected government
• 1941

  Bulgaria allied with Nazi Germany during World War II
• 1944

  Bulgaria was liberated from Nazi occupation during World War II
• 1944

  Soviet troops invaded Bulgaria, leading to Communist rule
• 1950s

  Forced collectivization of agriculture caused economic hardship
• 1955

  Bulgaria joined the United Nations
• 1984

  The Communist regime launched a campaign to forcibly assimilate ethnic Turks
• 1989

  The country peacefully transitioned from communist rule to democracy
• 1996

  A severe economic crisis led to hyperinflation and widespread poverty
• 2004

  Bulgaria became a member of NATO
• 2007

  Bulgaria joined the European Union, marking a significant milestone in its integration with Western Europe
• 2009

  The European Commission suspended EU funds to Bulgaria due to corruption concerns

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.