Principality of Montenegro

This article is about the specific polity Principality of Montenegro and therefore only includes events related to its territory and not to its possessions or colonies. If you are interested in the possession, this is the link to the article about the nation which includes all possessions as well as all the different incarnations of the nation.

If you are looking for the page with the statistics about this polity you can find it here:All Statistics

Montenegro became a secular state (principality) under Danilo I Petrović-Njegoš.

Establishment

March 1852: Montenegro became a secular state (principality) under Danilo I Petrović-Njegoš.

December 1852: An Ottoman column, led by Omar Pascià and the vizir of Scutari Osman Pascià, formed by 17,400 men, attacked the Principality of Montenegro from the east along the Spuž, Martinići, Ostrog line.

December 1852: A second Ottoman column of 7,000 men, coming from Bar, attacked the Montenegrins from the south.

Chronology

Interactive Chronologies with maps are available in the section Changes Navigation

1. Montenegrin-Ottoman War (1852-53)

Was a war between the Ottoman Empire and the Principality of Montenegro caused by the Montenegrin secret aid to Herzegovinian rebels.

March 1853: In 1853, European powers Russia and Austria intervened to negotiate a ceasefire in the conflict, leading to a retreat from all occupied regions. The territory in question was then ceded to the Principality of Montenegro.

2. Russo-Turkish War (1877-1878)

Was a conflict between the Ottoman Empire and a coalition led by the Russian Empire, and including Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, and Montenegro.

2.1.Treaty of San Stefano

Was a treaty between the Russian Empire and the Ottoman Empire that ended the Russo-Turkish War (1877-1878). The Ottoman Empire recognized the independence of Montenegro, Romania and Serbia.

March 1878: The advancement of Russian forces toward the Ottomans forced them to sign a peace treaty on 3 March 1878, recognising the independence of Montenegro. They also increased Montenegro's territory from 4,405 km² to 9,475 km². Montenegro gained the towns of Nikšić, Kolašin, Spuž, Podgorica, Žabljak, Bar, as well as access to the sea.

3. Further events (Unrelated to Any War)

May 1858: Grand Voivode Mirko Petrović, elder brother of Danilo I, led a strong army of 7,500 and won a crucial battle against the Turks. This victory forced the Great Powers to officially demarcate the borders between Montenegro and Ottoman Turkey, de facto recognizing Montenegro's centuries-long independence. Montenegro gained Grahovo, Rudine, Nikšić, more than half of Drobnjaci, Tušina, Uskoci, Lipovo, Upper Vasojevići, and part of Kuči and Dodoši tribal regions.

August 1910: Prince Nicholas of Montenegro proclaimed the Kingdom of Montenegro in Cetinje.