Communism in Bulgaria

Communism in Bulgaria began as the communists won the elections in 1945 Bulgaria became People's Republic. Agriculture was collectivised and peasant rebellions crushed. Many people were repressed in labor camps. The church was placed under state control. In 1950 diplomatic relations with the USA were broken off.

Todor Zhivkov ran Bulgaria for the next thirty years, completely loyal to the Soviets but pursuing a more moderate policy. In the 60's some limited freedom of expression was restored and persecution of the Church was ended. Economic conditions improved and Bulgaria became generally regarded as the staunchest of the Soviet Union's eastern European satellites.

Todor Zhivkov's regime was growing increasingly corrupt and autocratic. The culminating point was the bizarre campaign of persecution against the ethnic Turks who were ordered to adopt Bulgarian names. Many fled to Turkey, and the issue strained Bulgaria's relations with the west.

By the impact of Mihail Gorbachov's "perestroyka" in the Soviet Union the communist leaders in Bulgaria were unable to resist for too long the demand for changes. In November 1989 demonstrations were staged in Sofia, and these soon broadened into a general campaign for political reforms. In June 1990 free elections were held, giving Bulgaria a way to democracy.