Political Life

Serbian and Yugoslav Rulers (1815-1945)

Miloš Obrenović (1815–1839, 1858–1860), founder of a modern Serbian state. Based on sultan’s decrees of 1829, 1830 and 1833 Serbia became autonomous and Miloš acquired a princely title.

Mihailo Obrenović (1839–1842, 1860–1868), autocrat, enlightened absolutist monarch, emphasized the law as the highest authority. He led an ambitious foreign policy, which resulted in creation of the Balkan League in 1867.

Aleksandar Karadjordjevič (1842–1858). His reign is known as a period of advocates of constitution. Its champions played a more vital role than Aleksandar in governing of the state.

Milan Obrenović (1868–1889). During his reign Serbia gained its independence, spread its territory, became a kingdom and further developed state institutions during a period of progressive legislation.

Aleksandar Obrenović (1889–1903). Numerous sudden turns of event and changes occurred during his reign. On the night of May 29th 1903 the royal couple was killed and a change of dynasty took place.

Petar I Karadjordjević (1903–1921), moderate reformer, who led Serbia in the Customs War, Annexation Crisis, the Balkan Wars and World War I.

Aleksandar I Karadjordjević (1921–1934), king of the state of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (1929 onwards Kingdom of Yugoslavia), in favour of centralism also after his dictatorship began in 1929. He attempted to carry out a programme of “integral Yugoslavia” as a way of overcoming internal conflicts and disputes.

Petar II Karadjordjević (1934–1945), the youngest Yugoslavian king, reigned during four tumultuous and fate defining years from London.

The Constitutional Assembly abolished kingdom on 29th November 1945.

  • Prince Miloš Obrenović, Belgrade, 1858, lithography, IAB, ZŠT.
    Prince Miloš Obrenović, Belgrade, 1858, lithography, IAB, ZŠT.
  • Prince Mihailo Obrenović, Belgrade, lithography, IAB, ZŠT.
    Prince Mihailo Obrenović, Belgrade, lithography, IAB, ZŠT.
  • Prince Aleksandar Karadjordjević’s decree, Belgrade, 1852, IAB, ZDUP.
    Prince Aleksandar Karadjordjević’s decree, Belgrade, 1852, IAB, ZDUP.
  • King Milan Obrenović, IAB, Lf Vojislav Veljković.
    King Milan Obrenović, IAB, Lf Vojislav Veljković.
  • Record of baptism of Aleksandar Obrenović, Registry book of the Cathedral Church of St. Michael the Archangel, Belgrade, 1876, IAB, ZCMK.
    Record of baptism of Aleksandar Obrenović, Registry book of the Cathedral Church of St. Michael the Archangel, Belgrade, 1876, IAB, ZCMK.
  • Testament of King Petar I Karadjordjević written before going to World War I, Kragujevac, 1914, IAB, ZArh.
    Testament of King Petar I Karadjordjević written before going to World War I, Kragujevac, 1914, IAB, ZArh.
  • The wedding of King Aleksandar and Queen Marija Karadjordjević, Belgrade, 1922, PfG.
    The wedding of King Aleksandar and Queen Marija Karadjordjević, Belgrade, 1922, PfG.
  • King Petar II Karadjordjević in Topčider, Belgrade, 1938, Lf NS.
    King Petar II Karadjordjević in Topčider, Belgrade, 1938, Lf NS.

Development of Political Parties

Development of political idea and spreading of liberal and socialist ideas are typical of Serbia in the second half of the 19th century. Political parties formed in 1880s – liberal, progressive and radical. The liberal constitution of 1888 was a result of compromise agreed by several parties, and had a benevolent influence on development of parliamentarism. With the creation of Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, parties, who found themselves in joint state for the first time, entered political arena. New parties were established, for example the Democratic Party, Yugoslav Republican Party, Alliance of Agrarians and the Communist Party of Yugoslavia. Up until the beginning of World War II party life revolved around finding a compromise solution to Serbian-Croatian relations.

  • A letter written by Socialist Svetozar Marković (1846–1975) to his brother Jevrem, St. Petersburg, 1868, IAB, ZArh.
    A letter written by Socialist Svetozar Marković (1846–1975) to his brother Jevrem, St. Petersburg, 1868, IAB, ZArh.
  • Excerpt from political dictionary “Politički rečnik”, written by Vladimir Jovanović (1833–1922), a liberal, Belgrade, 1872, IAB, Lf VJ.
    Excerpt from political dictionary “Politički rečnik”, written by Vladimir Jovanović (1833–1922), a liberal, Belgrade, 1872, IAB, Lf VJ.
  • Rally after the Communist Party of Yugoslavia won municipial elections, Belgrade, 1920, IAB, Zf RP in NOB in socialistične izgradnje.
    Rally after the Communist Party of Yugoslavia won municipial elections, Belgrade, 1920, IAB, Zf RP in NOB in socialistične izgradnje.
  • A list of candidates, first candidate – Democratic Party leader Ljuba Davidović (1863–1940), Belgrade, 1927, IAB, OSB.
    A list of candidates, first candidate – Democratic Party leader Ljuba Davidović (1863–1940), Belgrade, 1927, IAB, OSB.
  • Milan Stojadinović (1888–1961) a radical, during his speech at the National Assembly, Belgrade, 1936, IAB, Lf NS.
    Milan Stojadinović (1888–1961) a radical, during his speech at the National Assembly, Belgrade, 1936, IAB, Lf NS.