Bulgarian Armistice 1918: World War I

On September 20, 1918, the Bulgarian government, under the weight of growing internal tension and army rebellion, made a fateful decision: it accepted the Austro-Hungarian proposal for a general armistice, received on September 14.

This is a turning point in the First World War for Bulgaria, marked by a deep crisis. Instead of insisting on continuing military operations towards Thessaloniki, as General Vladimir Vazov would probably have suggested, the government in Sofia turned to negotiations for an armistice with the Entente.

The decision, taken in an atmosphere of uncertainty and tension, marks the end of Bulgaria"s participation in the conflict on the side of the Central Powers.

Conclusion of the Armistice and the Treaty of Neuilly

The armistice concluded on September 29, 1918, in Thessaloniki ended the hostilities, albeit temporarily. It was in effect until the signing of the Treaty of Neuilly on November 27, 1919, a treaty that would have severe consequences for Bulgaria.

Conditions imposed by the Entente were marked by a sharp inequality.

The Harsh Conditions of the Treaty of Neuilly

The Treaty of Neuilly imposed harsh conditions on Bulgaria. According to it, the Bulgarian army was subjected to radical reduction and disarmament.

• Only three divisions and four cavalry regiments remained in service " a significant reduction reflecting the Entente"s victory and its ambitions to limit Bulgaria"s military potential.
• One hundred thousand Bulgarian soldiers were taken prisoner west of the Skopje meridian, subjected to conditions that could be described as inhumane.
• The Entente was given the right to control Bulgarian communications, further limiting the country"s sovereignty and its ability for free development.
• Partial occupation of Bulgarian territory was a further insulting measure, showing Bulgaria"s unfavorable position after the military failure.

This heavy legacy of the war is a direct result of the cabinet"s decision of September 20, 1918, as noted by the "Reference" department of BTA. A decision that sealed Bulgaria"s fate for at least the next decade.