Serbia

Ottoman Serbia

In the 15th century, the Serbian Despotate was conquered by the Ottoman Empire. Serbia was ruled by the Ottoman Empire for almost three centuries. A Serbian principality under Hungarian protection was created, after the fall of the Serbian Despotate, by the Branković family (later other Serbian noblemen assumed the throne) in what is now Vojvodina, Slavonia, and Bosnia. The subordinate state spent its entirety fighting the Ottomans and represented the heritage of what was left of the Serbian Kingdom.

Several minor, unsuccessful, and short-lived revolts broke out against Ottoman rule, mostly with the help of the Habsburgs:

• 1594,

• 1688–1691,

• 1718–1739

• 1788.

In 1799, the dahia (janissary leaders, high-status infantry in the provinces) took over the Sanjak of Smederevo, renouncing the Sultan and imposing higher taxes. In 1804, they murdered the most notable intellectuals and nobles, known as the Slaughter of the Knezes. In retaliation, the Serbs took arms and by 1806 had killed or driven out all of the nobles, but the fight did not stop. When the Sultan sent the new Pasha into the province, the Serbs killed him. The revolt continued, in what would be known as the First Serbian Uprising, with the Serbs under Karageorge defeating the Turks in several battles, liberating most of Central Serbia. An unsuccessful rebellion followed in 1814, and in 1815 the Second Serbian Uprising began. In 1817, Serbia was de facto-independent as the Principality of Serbia.

Principality of Serbia

The Principality of Serbia was an autonomous state in the Balkans that came into existence as a result of the Serbian Revolution, which lasted between 1804 and 1817. Its de facto independence ensued in 1867, following the evacuation of the remaining Ottoman troops from the Belgrade Fortress and the country; its independence was recognized internationally in 1878 by the Treaty of Berlin. In 1882 the country was elevated to the status of kingdom.

Kingdom of Serbia

In 1882, Serbia was elevated to the status of a kingdom, maintaining a foreign policy friendly to Austria-Hungary. Between 1912 and 1913, Serbia greatly enlarged its territory through engagement in the First and Second Balkan Wars. At the end of World War I in 1918 it united with Vojvodina and the Kingdom of Montenegro, and in December 1918 it merged with the newly created State of Slovenes, Croats, and Serbs to form the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (later known as the Kingdom of Yugoslavia).

Socialist Republic of Serbia

The Socialist Republic of Serbia was a constituent state within the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Under the leadership of Josip Broz Tito, socialist policies aimed at industrialization, social welfare, and economic development were implemented. Serbia, as part of this federation, experienced both benefits and challenges. Urbanization and industrial growth occurred, transforming Serbia's economy and infrastructure. However, political control was centralized in Belgrade, the capital, leading to a perceived imbalance of power favoring the Serbian elite. This centralization also contributed to tensions with other republics within Yugoslavia. The Socialist Republic of Serbia, like other Yugoslav republics, embraced principles of self-management and socialism but faced growing nationalist sentiments and economic issues, which ultimately played a role in the dissolution of Yugoslavia in the 1990s and the subsequent conflicts that ensued.

Republika Srpska

Post-Yugoslavia Serbia, emerging after the disintegration of Yugoslavia in 1992, has navigated significant political, social, and economic shifts. The Yugoslav Wars and Serbia's involvement resulted in international isolation, economic hardships, and internal divisions, particularly under the leadership of Slobodan Milošević.

In the early 2000s, Serbia began a journey towards political and economic reform. The removal of Milošević in 2000 allowed for democratic changes and an emphasis on closer ties with the European Union. Serbia's path to EU membership has involved addressing concerns about corruption, the rule of law, and political polarization. The nation has also confronted economic challenges and high unemployment rates. However, the issue of Kosovo's independence declaration in 2008 remains a contentious topic, as Serbia does not recognize Kosovo as an independent state.

The question of national identity remains significant, shaped by historical legacies and the impact of the Yugoslav Wars. These factors continue to influence political debates and societal discourse.