THE TRIUMPH OF THE UNION

Zahari Stoyanov: The Beginning of the Great Cause
The Unification of Bulgaria was a policy, a test of spirit and will, and a triumph of national aspiration, initiated by leaders and the people. At the foundation of the Unification was the organization created in early 1885 in Plovdiv: the Bulgarian Secret Central Revolutionary Committee (BSCRC), chaired by Zahari Stoyanov. He was its ideologist and driving force.
Zahari Stoyanov was a revolutionary, publicist, and historian, but above all, an advocate for Bulgaria’s prosperity. As a bearer of the national ideal for unification, he turned the dream of uniting the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia into his post-liberation cause. He was a person gifted with exceptional eloquence. Without higher education or titles, he possessed an innate knowledge that “only the free can bring freedom” and that “liberation and participation in freedom are granted only through sacrifice.” Thus, he did not remain an observer of history but stood among the heroes, bearing the burden of being a strategist and organizer.
As chairman of the BSCRC in Plovdiv, Zahari Stoyanov built a network of local committees that covered cities and villages in Eastern Rumelia. The committee prepared the ground through propaganda, gathering supporters, and strengthening connections with military circles. Through the newspaper “Struggle,” the idea of unification spread, and through personal connections, he gained the support of officers like Major Danail Nikolaev. In this endeavor, Zahari Stoyanov combined the roles of publicist and revolutionary, strategist and inspirer, showing dedication and sacrifice. The BSCRC became the center that united the intelligentsia, the army, and the sincerity of the people. Thus, the ground was prepared for the fateful September 6, the day when Bulgarians proved that the fate of the state was in their hands.
 
The People and Zahari Stoyanov’s Associates
The Unification became possible because behind Zahari Stoyanov stood associates ready to risk their lives; military men who placed their duty to the Fatherland above orders from the authorities; and a people who responded decisively to the call of history. After months of preparation, the BSCRC, together with officers from the Eastern Rumelian militia, organized the decisive action.
On the morning of September 6, 1885, Plovdiv awakened in anticipation. Revolutionaries and military units surrounded the residence of Governor-General Gavril Krastevich, a symbol of the authority imposed by the Berlin Congress. Without a drop of blood being shed, Krastevich was removed from office and, conscious of the historical moment, declared, “I am a Bulgarian and cannot go against my people.” Thus, the act, called a “coup,” actually became a solemn popular uprising for unification. A crowd gathered in Plovdiv, enthusiastically receiving the news, and the Unification was proclaimed.
 
Reaction of the Great Powers
After the BSCRC, with military and public support, achieved the Unification, the shadow of great power politics loomed over the young state. Russia, which had considered itself Bulgaria’s liberator and protector, perceived the act as ingratitude and betrayal. For Russia, it was a blow to its prestige and a loss of influence over the Balkans. In response, it unceremoniously recalled all Russian officers from the Bulgarian army.
Meanwhile, the Ottoman Empire, whose territorial integrity was violated, was inclined toward military intervention but was restrained by pressure from the Great Powers. Only Great Britain, seeing the Bulgarian unification as a barrier against Russian influence, supported the cause. Prince Alexander I of Battenberg, faced with international isolation, chose to stand by his people. This was a statesmanlike act of the highest order. However, his support cost him everything. Disobedience to the Russian Crown ended with his abdication in 1886. Ultimately, he lost the throne and the dynasty but gained the recognition of history.
 
The Aftermath: The Serbo-Bulgarian War (1885)
After the prince legitimized the Unification, it had to be defended with arms. Serbia, provoked by the ambitions of its king, Milan Obrenović, was the aggressor, supported by Russia, which sought to take advantage of the situation. Milan believed that a united Bulgaria threatened Serbian interests and disrupted the balance of power in the Balkans. To justify its attack, Serbia demanded territorial compensations. Its resolve was based on several illusions: that the Bulgarian army was weakened after the withdrawal of Russian officers, that it would achieve a quick victory, and that it would receive international support.
However, the course of the war showed that these calculations were wrong. The Serbian advance was halted at the Battle of Slivnitsa (November 5–7, 1885), which was decisive for Bulgaria’s victory. Simultaneously, Bulgarian troops fought successfully at the Battle of Gurgulyat (November 7). After the Bulgarian army managed to repel the Serbian aggression, it launched a counter-offensive that ended with the capture of Pirot (November 14–15). This victory was of immense significance, as it forced the Great Powers to recognize the Unification of Bulgaria in 1886 and demonstrated the strength of the Bulgarian will to the world.
 
Heroism
During the Serbo-Bulgarian War, true heroism was manifested, demonstrating the national will. Faced with international isolation, the young state had to defend its unification, and the soldiers, many of whom were peasants and craftsmen, fought with a strong sense of patriotic spirit. Their motivation was the national ideal of unification.
After Russia withdrew its commanders, the army’s leadership was taken over by captains and lieutenants, which is why the term “The War of the Captains” originated. These young commanders, though inexperienced, showed tactical skills, ingenuity, and determination, managing to regroup forces and defeat the aggressor. The transition of the Bulgarian troops from the southern to the western border was one of the most impressive and decisive moments of the war. After the Unification, the main part of the Bulgarian army was stationed in Southern Bulgaria (Eastern Rumelia). The reason was that the main threat was considered to be a possible military intervention by the Ottoman Empire. When Serbia unexpectedly declared war, the front opened in the west. This posed a huge challenge to the Bulgarian command, as the entire army had to be moved quickly over hundreds of kilometers to stop the advance of the Serbian troops.

The Role of Prince Alexander I of Battenberg
While the Committee, the military, and the people fought for the Unification, Prince Alexander I of Battenberg faced a dilemma. Initially, he hesitated, worried about the international consequences and the wrath of Russia. After the bloodless coup in Plovdiv was carried out, Battenberg made his statesmanlike choice, issuing a manifesto on September 8.
Moreover, in the immediately following Serbo-Bulgarian War, Alexander I of Battenberg personally took command of the army to legitimize, in the minds of the Bulgarian people, the symbol of unity through his personality and crown. For him, the victory at Slivnitsa was not a military triumph but a national victory, which he realized he would have to pay for. His disobedience to Russian imperialism and the interests of the Great Powers cost him everything—both the throne and the dynasty. The Unification of Bulgaria, legitimized with a manifesto, was a sacrifice bequeathed in the words: “You may forget me, but never Slivnitsa!” And perhaps most accurately, Vaklush Tolev characterized the Prince of Bulgaria, writing that “Battenberg did something that no statesman in history has done: with full consciousness, he accepts that he will lose the throne and dynasty, against the will of Russia, but signs the act of Unification.”

Unity as a Lesson Today
The Unification of 1885 is a historical event and an example of strength, determination, and national consciousness. It reminds us that societal difficulties and despotism are overcome when different people unite their efforts for a common cause.
The work of Zahari Stoyanov and the act of Prince Alexander I of Battenberg show that true responsibility requires placing the common good above personal interests. The common good, moreover, is legitimized by a readiness for self-sacrifice. This is the way, this is the path for the ordinary person. However, for such an extraordinary journey, one must learn the extraordinary knowledge that sacrifices bring as a benefit beyond the short span of life. Whether an individual life will end with such an act is a topic for further reflection.
Heroism can still be manifested today through small but significant actions in personal life, in one’s profession, and in society. Just as Battenberg placed the interests of Bulgaria above the fate of his dynasty, so can the modern Bulgarian turn their daily choices into an act of courage and creation. However, this requires preparation: to sacrifice oneself without becoming a victim …