Following Russia's defeat in the Crimean War, it's forced to change its geopolitical strategy in the Balkans. Shut out of the ability to exercise hard power, Russia steps up its soft power, getting involved as Bulgarians continue to seek greater education, an independent church, and the implementation of the 1856 reform edict. Meanwhile, Protestant missionaries arrive in greater numbers, Serbia is thrown into new turmoil, and the Ottoman treasury digs itself into an ever-deeper hole of debt.

You can check out Matt Grace's Ottoman course here: http://www.lang4life.com/

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117 Soft Power

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As 1915 comes to an end, Bulgaria suddenly finds a war it entered mere months ago entering a new phase. With the Salonika front settling into stalemate, Bulgaria now takes the role of the occupier, working to crush anything connected to Serbia in newly conquered territories. But a single overriding questions hangs in the air, what to do next?

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207 Occupation

Bulgaria finally enters the First World War, joining Germany and Austria-Hungary in a massive offensive against Serbia. But while some victories are coming easily, all is not as it seems. True, Bulgaria is finally realizing one of its greatest national ambitions, but will it all turn out to be just a dream?

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206 A Dream Realized?

As Summer 1915 turns to Fall, Bulgaria makes it choice to join the Central Powers and attack Serbia. But in the final weeks before that decision becomes known, the country faced political turmoil and exceptionally difficult questions about the future...

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205 The Die Is Cast

As the Great War drags on, Bulgarian participation becomes ever more valuable. Now, as the Spring of 1915 turns to summer both the Entente and Central Powers are vying for Bulgaria's support like never before. Meanwhile, new powers are entering the war and failures on the battlefield are reshaping the war again and again.

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204 The Bulgarian Summer

As the First World War moves past the optimistic summer of 1914 it quickly becomes clear to everyone that the war will not end anytime soon. Meanwhile, the intense courtship of Bulgaria as an ally begins, forcing the country to reckon with what its support might be worth.

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117 Soft Power

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