As the Second World War begins, Germany and the Soviet Union begin carving up eastern Europe between them. But for now, Bulgaria and its Balkan neighbors remain neutral. But what will it take to maintain that neutrality as darkness descends upon the continent?

Major Characters in this Episode:

Tsar Boris III

Adolf Hitler

Prime Minister Koisseivanov

Timeline

• 1939, Sep 1st - Germany invades Poland, beginning the Second World War in Europe.

• 1939, Sep 15th - Bulgaria declares neutrality in the war.

• 1939, Sep 17th - The Soviet Union invades Poland.

• 1939, Sep 19th - Soldiers connected with the Ratniks demonstrate against Jews and conduct pogroms against Jewish shops in central Sofia.

• 1939, Sep 21st - Romanian Prime Minister Armand Călinescu is assassinated by the Iron Guard.

• 1939, Sep 22nd - Germany and the USSR celebrate victory over Poland with a joint parade.

• 1939, Sep 24th - The USSR begins issuing ultimatums to the Baltic states to allow Soviet military bases on their territory.

• 1939, Sep 26th - After having been banned by Tsar Boris in April (which was not enforced) the government declares that members of secret fascist nationalist organizations should be known to the public and dismissed from official positions.

• 1939, Early Oct - The USSR offers Bulgaria a friendship and mutual assistance pact, which is rejected.

• 1939, Oct 24th - Prime Minister Kyoseivanov reorganizes his cabinet.

• 1939, Oct 24th - The 24th National Assembly is dissolved by the Tsar.

Sources:

• История на България в Дати by Vasil Katsunov, Plamen Mitev, Valeri Kolev, Evgenia Kalinova, and Iskra Baeva

• The Rose of the Balkans by Ivan Ilchev

• Crown of Thorns by Stephane Groueff

• History of the Balkans: Twentieth Century by Barbara Jelavich

• The Balkans by Misha Glenny

• Bulgaria During the Second World War by Marshall E. Miller

• Bulgaria 1879-1946: The Challenge of Choice by Tatiana Kostadinova