Conflict with Alexander III of Russia

Alexander III of Russia never liked his cousin, Prince Alexander of Battenberg, for reasons that remain unclear. As soon as Alexander III became Czar, he called Prince Alexander to account for his anti-Russian policies in Bulgaria. The prince tried to explain his actions, but his explanation did not satisfy the Czar.

Prince Alexander explained that he was trying to run Bulgaria’s affairs in the best interests of the people, without considering foreign pressure. However, his liberal policies were seen as too independent and too free for the Czar. Prince Alexander was a Protestant, and his efforts to encourage education were not welcomed by the clergy of the Greek Orthodox Church, who were powerful in the region. He also granted freedom to the press, which allowed democratic ideas to spread. This, in turn, strengthened the Liberal Party in Bulgaria, which was anti-Russian and even wanted a republic instead of a monarchy Ephesus Sightseeing.

Growing Tension and Loss of Power

As Prince Alexander’s policies clashed with Russian interests, he found himself in an increasingly difficult situation. He had hoped to govern independently, but he soon realized that the Russian officials in his government were taking their orders from St. Petersburg, not from him. This made it clear that he no longer had full control over his own country.

Determined to assert his independence, Prince Alexander tried to remove the Russian officials and replace them with native Liberals who would support his vision for Bulgaria. However, the Russians reacted with extreme hostility.

A Conspiracy Against the Prince

The Russian response to Prince Alexander’s attempt to assert control was one of the most shocking and shameful conspiracies in modern political history. While such events may have occurred in the Middle Ages, during the time of robber barons and political schemers, what happened in 1886 was nothing less than a political scandal that shocked Europe.

The Assassination Attempt

At two o’clock in the morning on August 21, 1886, Prince Alexander was suddenly awoken by his valet, who handed him a revolver and urgently told him to escape through a window. The situation was dire, and it was clear that the prince was in danger. However, Prince Alexander was not the kind of man to run away from danger. Instead of fleeing, he chose to face the threat head-on.

After getting dressed quickly, the prince walked into an ante-room of his residence, where he was confronted by a group of Russian officers. Some of these officers had recently been dismissed by him, while others were still in government positions. It was clear that they were there to force him out of power and take control of his position.

This midnight conspiracy marked a turning point in Prince Alexander’s rule. It was a dramatic event that showcased the fierce political struggles surrounding Bulgaria at the time. Despite his efforts to remain independent and govern for the good of the Bulgarian people, Prince Alexander was ultimately overthrown by the influence and manipulation of Russian power.