- 1. Bulgaria, a nation rich in history and cultural heritage, experienced a profound transformation during the late 19th century when it was liberated from nearly five centuries of oppressive Ottoman rule, primarily due to the intervention of Russia. The Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878 became a pivotal chapter in Bulgarian history, as Russian troops, motivated by both pan-Slavism and the desire to curb Ottoman influence in the Balkans, sought to liberate the Bulgarian people. The war was marked by fierce battles, heroic acts of resistance, and significant sacrifices made by both Russian soldiers and Bulgarian volunteers, known as the 'Shipka Volunteers.' As the Russian army advanced through the Balkan mountains and reclaimed territories long subjugated, the Bulgarian dream of national revival surged to the forefront of the national consciousness. The eventual victory of the Russian forces culminated in the signing of the Treaty of San Stefano, which promised the establishment of a large, autonomous Bulgaria, igniting a wave of national pride among Bulgarians. However, the resultant geopolitical tensions led to the subsequent Berlin Treaty, which curtailed these ambitions and divided the Bulgarian territories, impacting its national aspirations. Nonetheless, the liberation from Turkish rule is celebrated in Bulgaria as a significant moment of rebirth, achieving not only freedom but also laying the groundwork for the revival of Bulgarian culture, language, and political independence in the years to come.
Which country assisted Bulgaria in gaining independence from the Ottoman Empire?
A) England
B) Russia
C) France
D) Germany
- 2. Who was the ruler of Russia during Bulgaria's liberation?
A) Nicholas I
B) Alexander II
C) Nicholas II
D) Alexander III
- 3. In which war did the liberation of Bulgaria take place?
A) Napoleonic Wars
B) World War I
C) Crimean War
D) Russo-Turkish War
- 4. Who was the Bulgarian national hero who played a key role in the liberation movement?
A) Hristo Botev
B) Vasil Levski
C) Georgi Rakovski
D) Stefan Stambolov
- 5. Who was the Bulgarian tsar proclaimed in 1879, one year after independence?
A) Boris III
B) Ferdinand I
C) Alexander I
D) Simeon II
- 6. Who served as the first prime minister of Bulgaria after independence?
A) Alexander Malinov
B) Todor Burmov
C) Petko Karavelov
D) Stefan Stambolov
- 7. What was the name of the treaty that initially recognized Bulgaria's independence?
A) Treaty of Berlin
B) Treaty of Madrid
C) Treaty of Paris
D) Treaty of Vienna
- 8. What system of government did Bulgaria adopt after gaining independence?
A) Republic
B) Constitutional Monarchy
C) Absolute Monarchy
D) Dictatorship
- 9. What was the name of the Bulgarian ruler who declared independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1908?
A) Alexander I
B) Ferdinand I
C) Boris III
D) Simeon II
- 10. When did the Congress of Berlin take place that addressed the Bulgarian issue?
A) 1905
B) 1942
C) 1878
D) 1856
- 11. What was the old capital of Bulgaria before it was moved to Sofia?
A) Nessebar
B) Plovdiv
C) Varna
D) Veliko Tarnovo
- 12. What was the name of the national holiday of Bulgaria commemorating independence?
A) Unity Day
B) Liberation Day
C) Independence Day
D) Victory Day
- 13. Which Western power played a major role in supporting Russia during the Russo-Turkish War?
A) Austria
B) Prussia
C) France
D) Great Britain
- 14. Which city hosted the peace talks that ultimately recognized the independence of Bulgaria?
A) Paris
B) Berlin
C) Moscow
D) Vienna
- 15. Which decisive battle led to the liberation of Bulgaria?
A) Battle of Waterloo
B) Shipka Pass
C) Battle of Stalingrad
D) Battle of Austerlitz
- 16. What is the national anthem of Bulgaria, often associated with the liberation from Turkish rule?
A) God Save the Queen
B) Mila Rodino
C) Ode to Joy
D) La Marseillaise
- 17. In what year did the Bulgarian principality proclaim its independence from the Ottoman Empire?
A) 1923
B) 1908
C) 1912
D) 1885
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