July 12, 1887, was a day to be remembered.
Ferdinand Maximilian Karl Leopold Maria was crowned at the Vrana Palace, becoming the Prince of Bulgaria.
Thanks to Ferdinand’s painstaking efforts, the ceremony was far more spectacular than in history, and at the very least, the guests in attendance carried much more weight.
Crown Prince Edward of the British Empire, Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria-Hungary, the King of Greece, and others all came personally to attend the ceremony, demonstrating the support of the Great Powers.
Ferdinand had achieved his goal.
By leveraging external forces, he temporarily intimidated the various factions within Bulgaria, laying the foundation for future reforms.
Bulgaria enjoyed favorable natural conditions, possessing diverse terrain including mountains, hills, and plains.
Lakes and rivers crisscrossed the land, with the main rivers being the Danube River and the Maritsa River.
At the same time, it was poor in natural resources.
The main mineral deposits included coal, lead, zinc, copper, iron, uranium, manganese, chromium, mineral salts, and a small amount of petroleum.
“Overall, it’s suitable for a beginner phase.
Having been ruled by the Ottoman for a long time and having just gained independence, there are no major nobles or major Capitalists domestically.
Initial development looks quite good, though the potential is limited!” Although Ferdinand had long been prepared, he couldn’t help but comment.
“Stambolov, do you have any good suggestions regarding personnel appointments?” Ferdinand asked calmly.
Stambolov, a Bulgarian politician and a strong-willed Prime Minister (1887–1894), was regarded as the Bismarck of Bulgaria.
He studied at a seminary in Odessa from 1870 to 1872 and participated in the underground revolutionary movement in Bulgaria resisting the rule of Turkey in his early years.
He led small-scale uprisings against Turkey in 1875 and 1876.
In 1878, when Bulgaria gained autonomy, he was elected to the newly formed parliament and became its speaker in 1884.
After Prince Alexander I abdicated in 1886, he crushed Russian interference and supported Prince Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha as the Prince of Bulgaria.
After the new Prince ascended the throne, he organized the cabinet.
During his tenure, he continued to oppose Russia, maintained friendly diplomatic relations with Turkey, and expanded Bulgaria’s sphere of influence in Macedonia.
He used terror tactics to deal with the constant anti-Government conspiracies and mutinies.
When Prince Ferdinand I reclaimed royal power, he was forced to resign from the position of Prime Minister (May 31, 1894).
Ferdinand had no intention of replacing him for now.
He had just ascended the throne, and the most important thing now was to stabilize the situation; besides, there were no suitable candidates.
“Your Highness, after careful consideration, here is the list of cabinet members and major Government officials.
Please take a look.” Stambolov said while handing over the document.
“Hmm, very well, that’s it!
Let them take office as soon as possible!
You may leave now; I need to rest.” Ferdinand expressed his dissatisfaction and dismissed him.
“So he wants to act as a powerful minister already?
He’s too impatient!
At least he should keep up appearances and provide a few more candidates!
Everything is already decided; he treats me like a rubber stamp!” Ferdinand thought to himself.
“Bulgaria still has advantages in development.
First: There are no powerful industrial competitors.
The industrial base is relatively poor, so one can completely monopolize operations, and there is almost no trouble from the Government.
Second: I am very wealthy, and there is no such thing as a technology blockade right now, so I can obtain the technology I want!”
“Let the Government focus on developing agriculture!
Why play with industry when we are still waiting for loans to pay wages!
By the way, we also need to develop education, but for now, let’s just use literacy classes.
Spiritually encourage patriotic youth to spread cultural knowledge and offer some rewards; that will save a sum of money…” Ferdinand was busy making plans.
“Your Highness, the cabinet ministers have arrived and are waiting in the main hall.
Shall we begin the meeting?” the attendant reminded him.
“Very well, I’ll be there shortly.”
“Interrupting for a moment, Mr.
Stambolov,” Ferdinand began.
“Very well, Your Highness, please go ahead!” Stambolov said with some dissatisfaction.
“Mr.
Stambolov, how was this plan drawn up?
What is the current population of Bulgaria?
How much of that is the agricultural population, and how much is the industrial population?
What is the education situation?
What is the distribution of domestic resources?” Ferdinand bluntly exposed the problems within, gave Stambolov a stern warning, and rejected the empty plan.
“This…
Your Highness, Bulgaria currently has a population of 3.1045 million, most of whom are in agriculture.
The education situation and the distribution of domestic resources have not been statistically surveyed.
“It seems there are few simple historical figures; he reacted so quickly,” Ferdinand thought to himself.
Aloud, he said: “Mr.
Prime Minister, we must be responsible to the people of Bulgaria.
We must understand the actual situation before formulating a governing platform!”
“Regarding the matter of personnel wages, I approve!
Everything else is sent back to be redone.
A ‘major industrial plan’?
To hell with it, I’ve never heard of Bulgaria having any industry.
Be specific, do you understand!”
“Looking at the population structure, I suggest that you first focus on developing agriculture.
We must consider the interests of the majority!
Also, regarding education reform, focus on tilting towards science subjects, and we can start by establishing literacy classes.
For industrial development, first clarify the resource distribution, then formulate plans adapted to local conditions.
I do not want to see such ‘major industrial plans’ that have nothing behind them ever again!”
“Apologies, Your Highness, we will go back and redo it immediately!” Stambolov said with his head lowered.
Stambolov was left dizzy and confused by Ferdinand; the plan he had carefully prepared was dismissed as worthless, and he had no way to refute it.
In Ferdinand’s view, the current Bulgarian Government was similar to the Tongmenghui during the Xinhai year—a group of idealists who could talk big, but in terms of specific governing strategies, they were completely at a novice stage.
“Go now, gentlemen.
For the future of Bulgaria, your hard work is appreciated!” Seeing the cabinet led by Stambolov lower their heads, Ferdinand naturally knew when to stop.
“For Bulgaria!” The few who had been dejected just a moment ago immediately perked up.
“Strive for Bulgaria!”
“Hmm, not bad.
Patriotic youth are easy to fool!” Looking at this group of cabinet members with an average age of under thirty-five, Ferdinand muttered to himself.
The Stambolov Government was later evaluated by posterity as a police-terror regime.
They gained the support of a portion of the emerging bourgeoisie, stood entirely on the side of the bourgeoisie, and vigorously promoted factories and trade.
Meanwhile, the vast majority of farmers and workers were excluded, and the foundation of their rule was extremely weak.
Most missionaries and some intellectuals, including a portion of the petty bourgeoisie, opposed the Government’s radical anti-Russian policy.