This episode covers the second half of Season 7, roughly from 1886 until 1895. In that time, Stefan Stambolov ran Bulgaria with near total control, convincing Ferdinand to come be the new monarch of the country and creating Bulgaria's first period of normalcy after independence. However, the period was also marked by violence, Russian meddling, and a power struggle which ultimately saw Stambolov assassinated and Ferdinand the political master of Bulgaria. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/167-independence-part-2