<P> Those in the vanguard of reform had appropriated the notion of Ottomanism, but the contradictions implicit in the practical realization of this ideology--in persuading Muslims and non-Muslims alike that the achievement of true equality between them entailed the acceptance by both of obligations as well as rights--posed CUP a problem . October 1908 saw the new regime suffer a significant blow with the loss of three territories (Bulgarian, Bosnian and Cretan) over which the empire still exercised nominal sovereignty . </P> <P> The system became multi-headed, with old and new structures living together, until the CUP took full control of the government in 1913 and, under the chaos of change, power was exercised without accountability . </P> <P> The de jure Bulgarian Declaration of Independence on 5 October (O.S. 22 September) 1908 from the Empire was proclaimed in the old capital of Tarnovo by Prince Ferdinand of Bulgaria, who afterwards took the title "Tsar". </P> <P> The Bosnian crisis on 6 October 1908 erupted when Austria - Hungary announced the annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, territories formally within the sovereignty of the Empire . This unilateral action was timed to coincide with Bulgaria's declaration of independence (5 October) from the Empire . The Ottoman Empire protested Bulgaria's declaration with more vigour than the annexation of Bosnia - Herzegovina, which it had no practical prospects of governing . A boycott of Austro - Hungarian goods and shops occurred, inflicting commercial losses of over 100,000,000 kronen on Austria - Hungary . Austria - Hungary agreed to pay the Ottomans ₤ 2.2 million for the public land in Bosnia - Herzegovina . Bulgarian independence could not be reversed . </P>

What led to the end of the ottoman empire