Kingdom of Rumelia

Russian control of the Balkans was essentially guaranteed after crushing the Anglo-French-Ottoman alliance during the Crimean War. Years of Russian-backed nationalist and religious agitation as well as internal conflicts saw the Ottoman Empire seriously evaluating whether or not the continued occupation of the Balkans was worth the effort. With its status as the sick man of Europe known the world round, the Ottoman and Russian Empires signed the Treaty of San Stefano in 1878, officially naming Russia as the suzerain controller of Ottoman Europe.

Later that year, Russia and the other powers of Europe held the Conference of Berlin, to decide the borders of what was once Ottoman Europe. Austria boycotted the Conference, citing their displeasure at Russia's control of the Balkans, and the other powers of Europe had long since given up their designs for Balkan influence. On the 13th of July, 1878, Russia created the Kingdom of Rumelia, a client state made up of the historically Orthodox regions of the Balkans.

The Ottomans did not consent to the creation of this new state, and immediately broke off relations with the Russian Empire. In response, Russia occupied the European half of the ancient city of Constantinople, declaring it the new capital for the Rumelian Kingdom. George I of Greece was given the title of King of Rumelia, and the princes of Servia, Montenegro and Bulgaria were allowed to keep their lands if they pledged their allegiance to the Rumelian King.

This multi-ethnic, artificial country calls itself the true successor to Rome, with George I fancying himself as Roman Emperor. It stands to see whether or not Rumelia can survive the 19th and 20th centuries, and what exactly Russia plans for their client state.