The emerging Bulgarian nationalist movement had split…

The emerging Bulgarian nationalist movement had split into two distinct branches by 1850.

The moderates, concentrated in Constantinople, favor gradual improvement of conditions in Bulgaria through negotiations with the Turkish government.

This is the approach that creates a separate Bulgarian exarchate in 1870.

The moderates believe that the protection of the Ottoman Empire is necessary because a free Bulgaria would be subject to Balkan politics and great-power manipulation.

The radical faction, however, sees no hope of gradual reform.

Following their understanding of European liberal tradition and Russian revolutionary thought, the leaders of this faction aim first for liberation from all outside controls.

Liberation, they believe, will automatically lead to complete modernization of Bulgarian society.