Second Serbian Uprising — 1815–1817 revolt in Serbia against the Ottoman Empire
The Second Serbian Uprising secured Serbian semi-independence from the Ottoman Empire, establishing the Principality of Serbia with its own parliament, constitution, and dynasty.
Key Facts
- Start date
- 23 April 1815
- Duration
- 1815–1817
- Preceded by
- First Serbian Uprising (1804–1813)
- Outcome
- Establishment of the Principality of Serbia
- De jure independence
- 1878, via Congress of Berlin
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following the defeat of the First Serbian Uprising in 1813, the Ottoman Empire re-annexed Serbia and reimposed direct occupation. The decade-long experience of de facto Serbian self-rule had fostered a strong national consciousness, and Ottoman reprisals and harsh governance after re-annexation generated widespread discontent that made renewed revolt inevitable.
Beginning on 23 April 1815, Serbian leaders launched a second armed revolt against Ottoman rule. Unlike the first uprising, this phase proceeded with greater diplomatic sophistication and military pragmatism. Over the course of approximately two years, Serbian forces negotiated and fought their way toward a compromise that the Ottoman Empire ultimately accepted, concluding major hostilities by 1817.
The uprising resulted in Serbian semi-independence, with the Principality of Serbia established as an autonomous state under nominal Ottoman suzerainty. Serbia gained its own parliament, constitution, and ruling dynasty. Full de jure independence was not achieved until 1878, when the Congress of Berlin formally recognized Serbian sovereignty.