Balkan Breakthrough by Richard C. Hall

Author:Richard C. Hall
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Indiana University Press
Published: 2010-03-14T16:00:00+00:00

The Germans were not able to easily estimate objectively such a truthful interpretation of the spirit of our soldiers. They measured everything with their own concepts and their own standards, and were not able to take into account our people and our army. But cultural and military superiority of the Germans should have been able to suggest to them how to understand and value a valiant ally like Bulgaria and the conditions for its fighting abilities and physical endurance.65

Zhekov also reported, “The (Bulgarian) soldiers are amazed by German culture, organization and efficiency, but they also immediately discovered cold haughtiness, and egotism in the behavior of their ally.”66 These are criticisms that Zhekov might have raised himself about his own treatment by his German colleagues.

The Austro-Hungarians also infringed on Bulgarian interests. In the summer of 1918 they assumed control over the Bulgarian-administered region around the Serbian town of Vranje.67 The Austrians and Bulgarians also clashed over control of the railroad line in the Morava River valley in occupied Serbia. The Germans encouraged Bulgarian pretensions to a frontier on the Morava as a way to deflect Bulgarian claims in Dobrudzha.68 These issues tainted the successful conclusion of the Romanian campaign and undermined Bulgarian confidence in maintaining their war goals.

During the summer of 1918, yet another factor emerged to further undermine the Bulgarian war effort. In July, the consequences of the American entry into the war for the first time appeared to have a noticeable effect on Bulgarian morale. Although the United States and Bulgaria were not at war with each other, concerns about American material and financial contributions to the Entente war effort began to undermine the Bulgarian soldiers’ faith in ultimate victory.69 Some Bulgarians had worked in the United States, and as a result had developed some awareness of the agricultural and industrial productive capacities there.

During the summer the Bulgarians also made overtures to the new Ukrainian state.70 This entity was a German satellite, but potentially a Bulgarian ally in the struggle for Dobrudzha and a source of foodstuffs. The disarray in Ukraine, as nationalists, communists, anarchists, and others contended for power, prevented any real connection between Kiev and Sofia from developing.

Amidst the gloom, one positive event briefly improved the morale of the Bulgarian soldiers. This was a change of government in Sofia. Vasil Radoslavov, who as prime minister had led Bulgaria into the war on the German side in October 1915, resigned on 20 June. Radoslavov’s resignation was mainly due to his failure to secure all of Dobrudzha for Bulgaria at the negotiations for the Treaty of Bucharest. The new prime minister, Aleksandŭr Malinov, was not as closely tied to German interests as his predecessor. He inspired hopes among Bulgarian soldiers that the corruption and inefficiency associated with the previous government might finally recede.71 The change of civilian leadership seemed to be a step in the right direction. Zhekov himself had in June emphasized that “only an authoritative, popular and honest government” could hope to address the morale problems of the country.

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