Bulgaria Coup D’état
Ferdinand's journey to London unfolded with more success than he had anticipated. Not only did he manage to establish a prosperous gold mine, but he also cemented his connections with the British royal family, foreseeing potential advantages in the future that could prove invaluable.
Edward, grappling with financial difficulties, displayed a particular eagerness for the gold venture. The two wasted no time in pooling their resources to form a mining company, marking the beginning of a potentially lucrative partnership.
Despite Edward's enthusiasm and a desire to personally oversee operations in Australia, Ferdinand wisely advised against it. The harsh conditions and remoteness of 19th-century Australia made such a journey perilous, and Ferdinand, keenly valuing his life, urged Edward to refrain from such a risky undertaking.
The eagerly awaited first batch of Australian gold finally reached London in June of the following year. While modest in quantity, weighing in at eight hundred kilograms and valued at a hundred thousand pounds, the physical presence of the gold made a substantial impact. Even Queen Victoria herself attended the celebratory event, underscoring the significance of gold during the era of the gold standard.
With their mining company showing promise and the financial backing of gold, Ferdinand happily returned to Vienna. Choosing an overland route, Ferdinand embarked on a tour of France and Germany, immersing himself in the cultural and historical wonders along the way. From the iconic landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre in France to the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Neuschwanstein Castle, and the scenic beauty of Lake Constance in Germany, Ferdinand's journey enriched his understanding of these powerful nations.
Upon his return, Ferdinand observed the economic landscapes of the three major powers—England, France, and Germany. France appeared to be lagging economically, with capital concentrated in the financial market rather than robust industrial development. In contrast, Germany, influenced by its customs, demonstrated a strong focus on heavy industry, setting the stage for future economic prowess.
Exploring the Austro-Hungarian Empire upon his return, Ferdinand noted the region's rapid economic growth. While not reaching the heights of Britain, France, and Germany, the growth potential was substantial, and internal tensions were kept to a minimum. Even Hungary, known for its desires for independence, seemed to be engaged more in internal power struggles than advocating for full autonomy.
As Ferdinand turned his attention to the political turmoil in Bulgaria, a coup was underway, fueled by Alexander Battenberg's anti-Russian stance. The political landscape was intricate, with Battenberg aligning with the Conservatives and trampling on the constitution, sparking opposition from the Liberals and leading to a protracted struggle for power.
In 1886, Russia sought to depose Battenberg, but Western powers, including Britain and Austria-Hungary, supported him to curb Russian influence. The emerging Bulgarian capitalists were divided along pro-Russian and anti-Russian lines, resulting in a complex political crisis that extended beyond national borders.
On August 21, 1886, a faction of Bulgarian officers, supported by Russia, successfully deposed Knyaz Alexander. The move triggered national unrest, leading to a counter-coup and Knyaz Alexander's forced abdication on September 7.
The subsequent power struggle involved the Great Powers, with Russia advocating for a National Assembly to elect a pro-Russian successor. However, internal conflicts and Russian interference fueled resentment among Bulgarians.
In February 1887, Austria-Hungary, supported by the Bulgarian government, nominated Ferdinand for the throne. Despite Russian protests and diplomatic tensions, Ferdinand was elected as Knyaz of Bulgaria on June 25, 1887, with Ottoman support.
As Ferdinand anxiously awaited the outcome of the ongoing coup, he refrained from direct interference, acutely aware of the potential butterfly effects that historical events could unleash. The Bulgarian crisis, characterized by political turbulence, intricate power dynamics, and competing candidates for the throne, had reached a critical juncture, and Ferdinand's fate hung in the balance, contingent on the unpredictable course of events in Bulgaria.