December 13, 1941 — Bulgaria Declares War on Britain and the United States
On this day in 1941, Bulgaria declared war on Britain and the United States during World War II. The decision came shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and Germany’s declaration of war on the United States, placing Bulgaria more openly within the Axis diplomatic camp. Although Bulgaria had joined the Tripartite Pact earlier in 1941, its government had tried to avoid direct fighting against the Soviet Union. The declaration against the Western Allies nevertheless had serious consequences. The United States later declared war on Bulgaria in June 1942, and Allied bombing raids struck Bulgarian cities during the war. The date therefore marks one of the most consequential diplomatic choices made by wartime Bulgaria.
December 13, 1950 — The Order of Cyril and Methodius Is Instituted
On this day in 1950, Bulgaria instituted the Order of Cyril and Methodius as a state distinction. Named after the brothers associated with the Slavic alphabet and Christian literary culture, the order recognized achievements in science, education, culture, and the arts. It also continued a symbolic tradition linked to an earlier royal order dedicated to Saints Cyril and Methodius, which had been created after Bulgaria’s independence. In the socialist period, the new order became one of the country’s best-known honors for teachers, scholars, artists, and public figures. Its creation shows how deeply the legacy of Cyril and Methodius remained embedded in Bulgarian public identity, even as political regimes changed.
Explore more of Bulgaria’s story on Bronicable, including our Bulgaria From Above series and our guides to the best of Bulgaria.
Continue with December 12 or December 14. For more stories and places, explore Bulgaria From Above and the guides in our Bulgaria category on Bronicable.
