The First and Second Serbian Uprisings

The First and Second Serbian Uprisings (1804–1817) were pivotal moments in Serbia’s struggle for independence from the Ottoman Empire, marking the beginning of modern Serbian statehood. The First Uprising (1804–1813) was triggered by the brutal rule of the Janissaries, who had gained unchecked power in the Sanjak of Smederevo following the Slaughter of the Knezes in 1804, where prominent Serbian leaders were executed.

 Led by Karađorđe Petrović, the Serbs rose against Ottoman control, establishing a de facto independent government. Initially successful, the rebels won key battles, including Ivankovac (1805), Mišar (1806), and Deligrad (1806), securing Belgrade in 1807. However, despite diplomatic efforts with Russia and Austria, the uprising faltered due to the Russo-Turkish War (1806–1812), Russian withdrawal in 1812 (Treaty of Bucharest), and a decisive Ottoman counteroffensive in 1813 that crushed the revolt, forcing Karađorđe and many rebels into exile.

 Yet, Serbian resistance did not end. The Second Serbian Uprising (1815–1817), led by Miloš Obrenović, began under more favorable geopolitical conditions. Learning from the mistakes of the First Uprising, Miloš adopted a more diplomatic approach while still engaging in armed conflict. The successful battles at Ljubić, Čačak, Palež, and Požarevac pressured the Ottomans into negotiations. Unlike Karađorđe, who sought full independence through war, Miloš leveraged diplomacy and Ottoman weakness, leading to the gradual recognition of Serbia’s autonomy. By 1817, Serbia had secured a semi-independent status under Ottoman suzerainty, culminating in the 1830 Hatt-i Sharif, which officially recognized Serbia as an autonomous principality with Miloš as its hereditary prince. The uprisings laid the foundation for Serbia’s full independence in 1878, shaping its modern national identity and marking the decline of Ottoman power in the Balkans.