Principality of Serbia

The Principality of Serbia was an independent state in the Balkans. It started after a revolution led by Miloš Obrenović during the Second Serbian Uprising. Leaders talked with Ottoman officials to make this new state.

As time went on, Serbia grew more independent. By 1867, the last Ottoman soldiers left, and the country was truly free. In 1878, other countries agreed that Serbia was independent with the Treaty of Berlin. Later, in 1882, Serbia became a kingdom.

Background and establishment

Main article: History of modern Serbia

Leaders in Serbia worked to free their country from Ottoman rule. In 1830, the Ottoman government agreed to Serbia's status, and Miloš Obrenović became the leader. Though still part of the Ottoman Empire, Serbia had its own rule but still followed some Ottoman laws and paid taxes.

Over time, Serbia grew, adding more land to the east, south, and west. In 1867, the Ottoman army left Serbia, marking the start of Serbia’s true independence. A new rulebook in 1869 declared Serbia an independent country. In 1878, Serbia’s independence was officially recognized by other countries. Serbia stayed a principality until 1882 when it became the Kingdom of Serbia.

Political history

The Principality of Serbia started after a revolution and some important agreements. Leaders worked with the Ottoman Empire to help Serbia gain more freedom.

Serbia made three important sets of rules, called constitutions, in 1835, 1838, and 1869. These rules helped organize the country. There were also treaties, like the Akkerman Convention in 1826, which promised Serbia more freedom but was not fully accepted by the Ottoman leader.

Administrative divisions

Main article: Administrative divisions of the Principality of Serbia

In the early days of Serbia, the biggest areas were called nahija. This system came from the Ottoman Empire. Later, in 1836, Serbia was divided into 17 districts called okrug. Each district was then split into smaller areas called srez.

Military

Main article: Armed Forces of the Principality of Serbia

The Armed Forces of the Principality of Serbia were the soldiers of the country. They began in 1830 and helped in the First and Second Serbo-Turkish Wars of 1876–1878. After these wars, Serbia became fully independent. The army later became known as the Royal Serbian Army.

Demographics

See also: Demographic history of Serbia

When the Principality of Serbia began, most people were Serb. They made up about 85% of the population. The other 15% included Vlachs and some Muslim Albanians. They were the majority in places like Smederevo, Kladovo, and Ćuprija.

Over time, the new state tried to make its population more the same. Many Albanians and Muslims were moved out of the country, especially during wars.

• The Principality of Serbia in 1817

• The Principality of Serbia in 1833

• The Principality of Serbia from 1833 to 1878

List of princes

The Principality of Serbia was ruled by the Obrenović family. For a short time, Prince Aleksandar from the Karađorđević family led instead. Two leaders, Miloš and Mihailo Obrenović, each ruled twice during this time.