Macedonian unrest continues into the twentieth century.

Bulgarian premier Konstantin Stoilov, seeking to negotiate with the Turks for territorial concessions in Macedonia at the end of the century, finds that he cannot control IMRO (Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization).

This group, which advocates Macedonian autonomy over the standard Bulgarian policy goal of annexation, has gained control of the Macedonian liberation movement inside Bulgaria by 1900.

Russia and the Western powers now hold Ferdinand responsible for all disruptions in Macedonia, causing suspicion of all Bulgarian activity in the Balkans.

Greece and Serbia also lay claim to parts of Macedonia, giving them vital interests in the activities of IMRO as well.