History
"Those who do not learn from history are condemned to repeat it."
The Coup
Communist partisans backed by the USSR overthrow the royalist government allied with Nazi Germany. The beginning of socialism in Bulgaria.
Referendum — People's Republic
The 1946 referendum takes place on September 15th. The country is declared a People's Republic.
Georgi Dimitrov Constitution
The Georgi Dimitrov Constitution is adopted and remains in force until 1971.
Death of Georgi Dimitrov
Georgi Dimitrov dies on July 2nd, 1949, and is displayed in the Georgi Dimitrov Mausoleum.
Valko Chervenkov takes power
Valko Chervenkov succeeds Georgi Dimitrov as General Secretary of the Communist Party until 1954.
Todor Zhivkov rises to power
Todor Zhivkov succeeds Valko Chervenkov as head of the Communist Party. He becomes the longest-serving leader in modern Bulgarian history.
The April Conspiracy
The "April Conspiracy" is revealed on March 28th, 1965. The attempted coup aimed to overthrow Todor Zhivkov.
Zhivkov Constitution
The "Zhivkov Constitution" is established and remains in force until the end of the People's Republic of Bulgaria.
First Bulgarian Cosmonaut
Bulgaria's first cosmonaut Georgi Ivanov is launched into space on the Soyuz 33 mission.
1300 Years of Bulgaria
The Bulgarian nation celebrates 1300 years of existence. The largest military parade in Sofia's history takes place on this occasion.
Buzludzha Monument Inaugurated
The monumental house of the Bulgarian Communist Party "Buzludzha" is inaugurated.
End of Zhivkov's Rule
One day after the fall of the Berlin Wall, communist leader Todor Zhivkov is removed from his position as General Secretary of the Communist Party.
End of the People's Republic
The Assembly votes to rename the country the Republic of Bulgaria and removes the communist emblem from the national flag.