Иван Янев
От полумесеца до петолъчката (25) (1878–1944 г.)

Summary

From the Crescent to the Red Star offers a brief presentation of Bulgarian history concerning the period after the liberation in 1878 up to 1944, the year when socialist government was established in the country.

The most significant historical episodes in these 66 years are discussed. The information that is presented is addressed mostly to all those who would like to have a glimpse at Bulgarian history during the time between the liberation and communism. All of the evidence is based on reliable scientific publications, a list of which is offered at the end. Notes aim to direct the reader to the sources where he or she can find more detailed information about a certain event. The total number of bibliographic units used is 42, and the notes are 152. Structurally, in order to make it more comprehensible, the text is divided into 21 parts. The preface is written by the indisputable authority in the field of history, Prof. DSc. Nina Dyulgerova, to whom the author addresses his profound gratitude. The book contains a conclusion and a short summary. The table of contents and the summary are translated in English.

Important points during the period are the Unification and its legalization, the struggles of Bulgarians under Ottoman domination for liberation, the pronouncement of independence, the unsuccessful wars for national unification and the participation of Bulgaria in the Second World War. It becomes obvious that during the first half of the period the country made considerable progress and became a leader in the Balkans. However, because of hazardous political actions, the leadership has been unconditionally lost, along with many victims and vast territories. Bulgaria could no longer play the leading role in South-East Europe.