What was the official name of the Principality of Montenegro in Serbian?

The official name of the Principality of Montenegro in Serbian was Knjaževina Crna Gora, transliterated as Knjaževina Crna Gora.

During what years did the Principality of Montenegro exist?

The Principality of Montenegro existed from March 13, 1852, until August 28, 1910.

What was the capital city of the Principality of Montenegro?

The capital city of the Principality of Montenegro was Cetinje.

What was the primary language spoken in the Principality of Montenegro?

The common language spoken in the Principality of Montenegro was Serbian.

What was the predominant religion in the Principality of Montenegro?

The majority religion in the Principality of Montenegro was the Serbian Orthodox Church, with Islam and Roman Catholicism being minority religions.

What was the official form of government in the Principality of Montenegro after 1905?

After 1905, the Principality of Montenegro was officially a constitutional monarchy, having previously been an absolute monarchy (de facto) and a semi-constitutional monarchy from 1852 to 1905.

What currency was used in the Principality of Montenegro starting in 1906?

From 1906 onwards, the Montenegrin perper was used as the state currency in the Principality of Montenegro. Prior to that, the Austro-Hungarian Krone was in use from 1892 to 1906.

What territory did the Principality of Montenegro encompass?

The territory of the Principality of Montenegro corresponded to the central area of modern-day Montenegro.

When was the Principality of Montenegro officially formed, and what event marked its establishment?

The Principality of Montenegro was formed on March 13, 1852. This occurred when Danilo I Petrović-Njegoš renounced his ecclesiastical position as prince-bishop and married, transforming the state into a secular principality.

What was the significance of Danilo I's Code, proclaimed in 1855?

Danilo I's Code, also known as the "General Law of the Land," was the first Montenegrin constitution. It was inspired by previous laws and traditions, establishing Montenegro as a secular principality after centuries of theocratic rule.

What key battle occurred in 1858 that influenced Montenegro's international recognition?

The Battle of Grahovac, fought on May 13, 1858, was a crucial victory for Montenegro against the Ottoman Empire. Led by Grand Voivode Mirko Petrović, this victory compelled the Great Powers to demarcate Montenegro's borders, effectively recognizing its independence.

Which territories were gained by Montenegro following the Battle of Grahovac?

Following the Battle of Grahovac, Montenegro gained territories including Grahovo, Rudine, Nikšić, more than half of Drobnjaci, Tušina, Uskoci, Lipovo, Upper Vasojevići, and parts of the Kuči and Dodoši tribal regions.

Who succeeded Danilo I as the ruler of Montenegro, and when?

Nikola I, the nephew of Danilo I, succeeded him as the ruler of Montenegro on August 13, 1860, following Danilo I's assassination.

What conflict did Nikola I lead Montenegro into against the Ottoman Empire in the late 19th century?

Nikola I led Montenegro in the Montenegrin–Ottoman War (1876–1878), after providing aid to Serb rebels in the Herzegovina Uprising.

How did the Treaty of San Stefano and the Treaty of Berlin impact Montenegro's status?

The Treaty of San Stefano (March 3, 1878) recognized the independence of Montenegro, along with Romania and Serbia. This recognition was further solidified by the Ottoman Empire at the Treaty of Berlin (1878), which also demarcated Montenegro's borders and expanded its territory.

What was the territorial expansion of Montenegro following the Montenegrin-Ottoman War?

Following the war and subsequent treaties, Montenegro's territory significantly increased from 4,405 km² to 9,475 km². This expansion included key towns like Nikšić, Podgorica, and Bar, and granted the principality access to the sea.

What significant political development occurred in Montenegro in 1905?

In 1905, Montenegro adopted a new constitution, marking a significant political development towards modernization and constitutional monarchy.

What were the main political factions or viewpoints regarding the 1905 constitution?

Political rifts emerged between the People's Party, which supported democratization and union with Serbia, and the True People's Party, which advocated for sovereignty and loyalty to Prince Nicholas and his dynasty.

What were Prince Nikola I's initial reservations about implementing a constitution?

Prince Nikola I argued that Montenegrin society was not yet evolved enough for a constitutional monarchy and feared that parliamentarism could reignite old clan feuds and destabilize national unity.

Who was tasked with drafting the 1905 Montenegrin Constitution, and what was its basis?

The task of drafting the 1905 Constitution was given to Stevan Ćurčić, a conservative journalist from Serbia. The constitution was largely based on the Serbian constitution of 1869, with minor adaptations for Montenegrin circumstances.

When was the 1905 Constitution of Montenegro officially proclaimed, and what is its nickname?

The Constitution of the Principality of Montenegro was proclaimed on December 19, 1905 (December 6 according to the Julian calendar) and is remembered as the St Nicholas day constitution.

How many chapters and articles did the 1905 Montenegrin Constitution contain?

The 1905 Constitution comprised 15 chapters and a total of 222 articles.

What key areas did the 1905 Montenegrin Constitution address?

The 1905 Constitution provided for the state organization, type of government, state symbols, the competence of state administration, the election of statesmen, military service, finances, and outlined human and citizens' rights.

According to the 1905 Constitution, who held legislative power in Montenegro?

Legislative power was vested in both the parliament and the prince, establishing Montenegro as a constitutional hereditary monarchy.

What specific powers did the Prince hold under the 1905 Constitution?

The Prince was the supreme commander of the armed forces, represented the state in foreign affairs, declared war, signed peace treaties and alliances, appointed government officials, protected recognized religions, and held rights of abolition and amnesty. He also controlled parliamentary sessions, including opening, closing, and dissolution.

Who was eligible to be elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) under the 1905 Constitution?

Under the 1905 Constitution, any adult male citizen who had not been convicted and was not under investigation was eligible to be elected as an MP, regardless of their tax contributions. However, active military personnel could not vote.

What were the requirements for passive suffrage (eligibility for election) in Montenegro according to the 1905 Constitution?

Passive suffrage was granted to citizens over 30 years old who were permanent residents of Montenegro, possessed full civil rights, and paid at least 15 krones in taxes. Administrative officials were barred from being elected to parliament.

What role did the parliament play in the legislative process according to the 1905 Constitution?

Parliament had the authority to pass, repeal, or change laws, but the initiative for legislation could originate from either the government or parliament. However, formal legislative projects could only be initiated by the government, which somewhat limited parliament's role.

How did the 1905 Constitution address the budget process and taxation?

Parliament had the right to pass the budget, but it could not impose conditions unrelated to it. If parliament rejected the budget, the prince could extend the previous year's budget. Crucially, no new tax could be imposed without parliamentary agreement.

What was the function of the State Council as defined by the 1905 Constitution?

The State Council, composed of six members appointed by the prince, served as the supreme administrative court. It reviewed the government's legal initiatives and had jurisdiction over certain financial matters.

What civil rights and freedoms were guaranteed by the 1905 Montenegrin Constitution?

The constitution guaranteed rights such as personal property, freedom of the press, and the right of assembly. It also established legal equality and court jurisdiction, and abolished the death penalty for purely political reasons, with specific exceptions.

What was the estimated population of the Principality of Montenegro in 1882?

In 1882, Bernard Schwartz estimated the population of the Principality of Montenegro to be around 160,000 inhabitants, though a more common estimate placed it closer to 230,000.

What were the demographic statistics for the Principality of Montenegro in 1900?

In 1900, the Principality of Montenegro reportedly had 311,564 inhabitants. Of these, 94% were Eastern Orthodox, 4% Muslim, and 3% Roman Catholic. The literacy rate was 23%.

What did the first official census in 1909 reveal about Montenegro's population?

The 1909 census recorded 317,856 inhabitants, although the actual number was estimated to be closer to 220,000. Serbian was the mother tongue for 95% of the population, with Albanian spoken by most of the remainder.

How was the Principality of Montenegro administratively divided?

The Principality of Montenegro was divided into 10 administrative divisions known as *nahija* (plural: *nahije*).

Can you list the ten administrative divisions (*nahija*) of the Principality of Montenegro?

The ten administrative divisions were: Katunska nahija, Riječka nahija, Crmnička nahija, Primorska nahija, Lješanska nahija, Zetska nahija, Brdska nahija, Vasojevička nahija, Moračka nahija, and Nikšićka nahija.

What was the status of the Metropolitanate of Cetinje in relation to the state?

The Metropolitanate of Cetinje was separated from the state by Danilo I. Although nominally Serbian Orthodox, it was largely independent and considered de jure part of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

Which Metropolitans of Cetinje served during the late 19th and early 20th centuries?

The Metropolitans of Cetinje during this period were Ilarion Roganović (1876–1882), Visarion Ljubiša (1882–1884), and Mitrofan Ban (1884–1918).

What did the historical war flags of Montenegro feature?

Historical Montenegrin war flags were known as the *krstaš-barjak*, which were plain flags featuring crosses in the center. One such flag, used at the Battle of Vučji Do in 1876, was red with a white cross pattée and a white border.

What was the national flag of the Principality of Montenegro according to the 1905 constitution?

According to the 1905 constitution, the national flag of the Principality of Montenegro was a tricolour composed of red, blue, and white, which was the Pan-Slavic Serbian tricolour.

How did the Principality of Montenegro transition to a Kingdom?

The Principality of Montenegro was proclaimed a kingdom on August 28, 1910, by Nikola I, who then assumed the title of King of Montenegro.

What was the relationship between Prince Nikola I and Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid II regarding diplomatic relations?

Prince Nikola I established diplomatic relations with the Ottoman Empire, and the political skills of both leaders fostered approximately 30 years of mutually amicable relations, marked by minor border skirmishes but general peace.

What was the stated policy regarding foreigners and different faiths in Danilo's Code of 1855?

Danilo's Code of 1855 stated that although the national identity was Serb and the religion Eastern Orthodox, any foreigner or person of a different faith could live in Montenegro and enjoy the same freedoms and domestic rights as Montenegrins.

What was the significance of the 1905 Constitution in the context of European societies?

Despite its flaws, the 1905 Constitution of Montenegro was significant for introducing modern liberal tendencies and recognizing human rights and freedoms within a small Balkan nation.

What was the role of the Petrović-Njegoš dynasty in Montenegro during this period?

The Petrović-Njegoš dynasty, represented by Prince Danilo I and later Prince Nikola I, ruled Montenegro during the period of the Principality. Nikola I was the last ruler of the dynasty before Montenegro became a kingdom.

What were the primary religious affiliations within the Principality of Montenegro based on the 1909 census data?

Based on the 1909 census, 94% of the population were Orthodox Christians, with the remainder consisting mostly of Muslims and a smaller number of Roman Catholics.

What was the official language of the Principality of Montenegro, and what percentage of the population spoke it as a mother tongue in 1909?

The official language was Serbian, and in 1909, 95% of the population spoke Serbian as their mother tongue.

What historical entity preceded the Principality of Montenegro?

The Principality of Montenegro was preceded by the Prince-Bishopric of Montenegro.

What entity succeeded the Principality of Montenegro?

The Principality of Montenegro was succeeded by the Kingdom of Montenegro in 1910.

Principality Of Montenegro Wiki: Montenegro's Ascent: From Principality to Kingdom

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Name and Identity

Etymology and Titles

The Principality was officially known as the Principality of Montenegro. In Serbian, it was referred to as Knjaževina Crna Gora, translating to "Principality of Montenegro" or "Duchy of Montenegro." Prince Danilo I, in his 1855 Code, styled himself as the "prince and lord of Montenegro and Brda." By 1870, Nikola I used the title "prince of Montenegro and Brda," and two years later, the state was formally designated as the "Principality of Montenegro."

Territorial Scope

The Principality encompassed the central region of modern-day Montenegro. Its territorial definition evolved significantly, particularly after the Battle of Grahovac in 1858, which led to the official demarcation of borders with the Ottoman Empire and the incorporation of territories like Grahovo, Nikšić, and access to the Adriatic Sea.

Language and Religion

The common language was Serbian. The population was predominantly Eastern Orthodox, constituting approximately 94% of the inhabitants by 1900. A minority of Muslims (around 4%) and Roman Catholics (around 3%) also resided within the Principality.

Historical Trajectory

Formation and Secularization

The Principality was established on March 13, 1852, when Danilo I Petrović-Njegoš renounced his ecclesiastical role as prince-bishop. This marked a pivotal shift from centuries of theocratic rule to a secular principality, formalized by the proclamation of Montenegro's first constitution, Danilo's Code, in 1855.

Military Victories and Recognition

A critical turning point was the Battle of Grahovac on May 13, 1858, where Grand Voivode Mirko Petrović led Montenegrin forces to a decisive victory against the Ottoman army. This triumph compelled the Great Powers to officially demarcate Montenegro's borders, de facto recognizing its independence and expanding its territory significantly.

Diplomacy and Expansion

Following Danilo I's assassination in 1860, his nephew Nikola I ascended to the throne. Nikola I's leadership in the Montenegrin-Ottoman War (1876–1878) resulted in international recognition of Montenegro's independence at the Congress of Berlin in 1878. This period brought territorial gains and approximately three decades of peace, fostering state modernization.

Reign of Danilo I

Danilo's Code (1855)

Danilo I promulgated his "General Law of the Land" in 1855, known as Danilo's Code. This foundational document, inspired by earlier traditions, established Montenegro as a secular principality. It codified laws, protected privacy, and regulated inter-clan relations, notably prohibiting warfare on the Austrian Coast. The code also affirmed religious and national tolerance, stating that foreigners of different faiths could live with the same freedoms as Montenegrins.

Secular Governance

The transition from Prince-Bishop to Prince marked a significant secularization of the Montenegrin state. Danilo I's reign laid the groundwork for a more modern administrative structure, moving away from the purely ecclesiastical governance that had characterized Montenegro for centuries.

Reign of Nikola I

Modernization and Diplomacy

Nikola I's long reign (1860–1910) was characterized by significant diplomatic maneuvering and state modernization. He successfully navigated complex international relations, particularly with the Ottoman Empire, and oversaw territorial expansion and the development of state institutions.

Towards Constitutional Monarchy

By the early 20th century, growing internal pressures for constitutional reform emerged, advocating for parliamentary governance and democratization. This culminated in the adoption of a new constitution in 1905, transforming Montenegro into a constitutional monarchy and paving the way for its elevation to a kingdom in 1910.

Danilo's Constitution (1855)

The Foundation of Secular Law

Danilo's Code of 1855 served as Montenegro's first constitution. It established a secular legal framework, separating state and church authority. Key provisions included the regulation of judicial processes, protection of privacy, and the prohibition of internal warfare. It also articulated a principle of religious and national tolerance, asserting that individuals of different faiths and backgrounds could reside in Montenegro with equal rights.

Principles and Provisions

The Code was rooted in Montenegrin traditions and customs, reflecting the socio-political realities of the time. It aimed to consolidate state authority and establish order following centuries of decentralized, often theocratic, rule. Its principles laid the groundwork for future constitutional developments in the Principality.

The 1905 Constitution

Drive for Modernization

Amidst growing calls for modernization and democratic reforms, Prince Nikola I promulgated a new constitution on December 19, 1905. This document transformed Montenegro into a constitutional monarchy, establishing a parliament and defining the separation of powers, albeit with significant reservations of authority by the Prince.

Structure and Limitations

The constitution comprised 15 chapters and 222 articles, outlining the state's organization, symbols, administration, and fundamental rights. While it introduced legislative power for the parliament, the Prince retained considerable influence, including the right to dissolve parliament and appoint ministers. The process of lawmaking also saw the government holding significant initiative power.

Key Features:

Executive Power: Held by the Prince, who was supreme commander, represented the state internationally, and appointed government officials.
Legislative Power: Shared between the Prince and the parliament. The Prince could dissolve parliament or postpone sessions.
Parliamentary Representation: Included elected deputies and 14 "virile deputies" based on their societal positions (e.g., Metropolitan, Archbishop, Mufti).
Electoral Rights: Male citizens over 30, meeting tax and civil rights criteria, were eligible for election. Active military personnel were excluded from voting.
Ministerial Responsibility: Ministers were accountable to parliament or the Prince for treason, constitutional violations, corruption, or acting against the law.
Judicial Independence: Courts were declared independent, with judges protected from arbitrary transfer.
Civil Rights: Guaranteed personal property, freedom of the press, and the right of assembly, with limitations on the death penalty for purely political offenses.

Despite its progressive elements for the region, the constitution's limitations reflected the Prince's intent to retain substantial control.

National Symbols

The 1905 constitution also addressed national symbols. The national flag was established as a tricolour of red, blue, and white, mirroring the Pan-Slavic Serbian tricolour. This constitutional framework set the stage for Montenegro's proclamation as a kingdom in 1910.

Demographic Landscape

Population Estimates

Estimates for the Principality's population vary. Bernard Schwartz suggested around 160,000 inhabitants in 1882, while other sources commonly cite approximately 230,000. By 1900, international sources reported a population of 311,564. An official census in 1909 recorded 317,856 inhabitants, though the actual number was likely closer to 220,000.

Religious and Linguistic Composition

In 1900, the demographic breakdown indicated a strong Orthodox Christian majority (94%), with Muslims comprising about 4% and Roman Catholics around 3%. The Serbian language was the mother tongue for approximately 95% of the population, with Albanian spoken by the remainder.

Literacy and Education

In 1900, approximately 23% of the population was literate. The Principality made efforts to modernize its educational system, culminating in the establishment of new laws and institutions, including the adoption of the 1905 Constitution which outlined provisions for education and civil rights.

Administrative Divisions

The Nahijas

The Principality of Montenegro was administratively organized into ten divisions known as nahijas. These served as the primary units of local governance and administration throughout the territory.

Katunska nahija
Riječka nahija
Crmnička nahija
Primorska nahija
Lješanska nahija
Zetska nahija
Brdska nahija
Vasojevička nahija
Moračka nahija
Nikšićka nahija

Ecclesiastical Structure

Metropolitanate of Cetinje

The Metropolitanate of Cetinje, the primary ecclesiastical body, was formally separated from state administration by Danilo I. While nominally Serbian Orthodox, it operated with considerable autonomy under the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. The Russian Orthodox Church also listed the Eparchy of Montenegro among its autocephalous churches.

Eparchial Developments

In 1908, the Eparchy of Zahumlje-Raška was established, operating concurrently with the Eparchy of Cetinje. The Metropolitans who served during this period included Ilarion Roganović, Visarion Ljubiša, and Mitrofan Ban, overseeing the spiritual life of the Principality.

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References

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Montenegro's Ascent

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Name and Identity 📜

🇷🇸 Etymology and Titles

🌍 Territorial Scope

🗣️ Language and Religion

Historical Trajectory ⏳

👑 Formation and Secularization

⚔️ Military Victories and Recognition

🕊️ Diplomacy and Expansion

Reign of Danilo I 👑

📜 Danilo's Code (1855)

⚖️ Secular Governance

Reign of Nikola I 👑

📈 Modernization and Diplomacy

🏛️ Towards Constitutional Monarchy

Danilo's Constitution (1855) ⚖️

📖 The Foundation of Secular Law

📜 Principles and Provisions

The 1905 Constitution 📜

✊ Drive for Modernization

🏛️ Structure and Limitations

🚩 National Symbols

Demographic Landscape 👥

🔢 Population Estimates

☪️ Religious and Linguistic Composition

📚 Literacy and Education

Administrative Divisions 🗺️

📍 The Nahijas

Ecclesiastical Structure ⛪

✝️ Metropolitanate of Cetinje

🔄 Eparchial Developments

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References

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📜 Scholarly Context

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Name and Identity

Etymology and Titles

Territorial Scope

Language and Religion

Historical Trajectory

Formation and Secularization

Military Victories and Recognition

Diplomacy and Expansion

Reign of Danilo I

Danilo's Code (1855)

Secular Governance

Reign of Nikola I

Modernization and Diplomacy

Towards Constitutional Monarchy

Danilo's Constitution (1855)

The Foundation of Secular Law

Principles and Provisions

The 1905 Constitution

Drive for Modernization

Structure and Limitations

National Symbols

Demographic Landscape

Population Estimates

Religious and Linguistic Composition

Literacy and Education

Administrative Divisions

The Nahijas

Ecclesiastical Structure

Metropolitanate of Cetinje

Eparchial Developments

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Scholarly Context