Every day in Bulgarian history holds a story worth remembering. In this recurring series, On This Day in Bulgaria, we look back at notable events, decisions, and milestones that happened on this date across the country’s history.
October 9, 1912 — Bulgaria Mobilises for War
Bulgaria completed its mobilisation for the First Balkan War as the army moved to its forward positions along the Thracian and Macedonian frontiers. The Bulgarian armed forces — the largest in the Balkan League — had been meticulously prepared for this campaign over years of military reform and training. The country was sending its best generation of young men to fight for the lands that had been left outside the Bulgarian state by the Treaty of Berlin in 1878.
October 9, 1944 — The Churchill-Stalin Percentages Agreement
In Moscow, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Soviet leader Joseph Stalin reached a secret agreement dividing south-eastern Europe into spheres of influence. Under the so-called Percentages Agreement, Bulgaria was assigned 75-80% Soviet influence — effectively placing it in Moscow’s orbit. The agreement had profound consequences for Bulgaria’s post-war political trajectory, confirming communist dominance before the war had even ended.
Explore more of Bulgaria’s story on Bronicable, including our Bulgaria From Above series and our guides to the best of Bulgaria.
