Conflict of Different Visions: Macedonian Emigration in Bulgaria in the Period Between the Two World Wars

Abstract

After the World War I numerous Macedonian émigrés who found themselves in Bulgaria set up various organizations bringing them together. Although the activities of most of such organisations were controlled by the VMRO, there were some periods when it was possible for an independent pro‑sovereignty movement to exist under the umbrella of Macedonian émigré associations. The forceful takeover of the Ilinden Organization – one of the most vocal champions of Macedonian interests on emigration – executed by way of the physical liquidation of its members by VMRO activists, was symptomatic of the way in which every attempt was stifled of expressing pro‑independence sentiments leading to Macedonia’s political independence.