Principality of Serbia

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

Over time, Serbia became more independent. By 1867, the last Ottoman soldiers left, and the country was truly free. In 1878, other countries officially recognized Serbia as independent through the Treaty of Berlin. Later, in 1882, Serbia became a kingdom.

Background and establishment

Main article: History of modern Serbia

Leaders in Serbia worked hard to free their country from long Ottoman rule. After successful efforts, the Ottoman government agreed to Serbia's status in 1830, and Miloš Obrenović became the leader of Serbia. Though still officially part of the Ottoman Empire, Serbia had its own rule but still needed to follow some Ottoman laws and pay taxes.

Over time, Serbia grew larger, 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. Later, 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 developed after a revolution and several important agreements. Leaders worked with the Ottoman Empire to gain more freedom for Serbia.

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

Administrative divisions

Main article: Administrative divisions of the Principality of Serbia

In early times, the highest administrative unit in Serbia was called a nahija, a system that came from the Ottoman Empire. Later, in 1836, Serbia was divided into 17 districts known as okrug. Each of these districts 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 were started in 1830 and helped fight 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 first began, most people were Serb, making up about 85% of the population. The remaining 15% included Vlachs and some Muslim Albanians, who were the majority in places like Smederevo, Kladovo, and Ćuprija. Over time, the new state worked to make its population more uniform. Many Albanians and Muslims were moved out of the country during this period, especially during wars in the 1870s.

• 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, with one short time when Prince Aleksandar from the Karađorđević family led instead. Two leaders, Miloš and Mihailo Obrenović, each ruled twice during this time.