After successfully driving out the Turks, Karageorge (Black George) established a liberal monarchy in Servia. He knew that he lacked formal education and experience, so he immediately focused on building a stronger, smarter nation. His first step was to create a free public school system in every province. He also established a university in Belgrade, the capital.
In addition to improving education, Karageorge brought important changes to Servia’s government. He set up courts of justice, reduced taxes, punished corruption, and fought against immoral behavior. He carefully organized the government into departments, acting with the wisdom of a skilled and experienced statesman Guided Sofia Tour.
A Leader Ahead of His Time
Although Karageorge had great vision and worked hard to improve his country, many of the people were not ready for such rapid change. He moved too fast for them to follow, and this caused problems. His enemies gathered against him, and many critics stood in the way of his reforms.
Feeling angry and disappointed by the lack of public support, Karageorge made a bold decision. After ruling for nine years, he gave up the crown and left the throne. Despite this, he remained an important historical figure as the founder of the Karageorgovitch dynasty, one of the two royal families that would fight for control of Servia for years to come.
The Rise of Milos Obren
The rival of Karageorge was also a man of humble beginnings. He was the son of a house servant who worked for a wealthy and powerful family named Obren. This man’s father, Tescho, had no last name—as was common among Balkan peasants. When the son grew famous, he adopted the name of the noble family his father had served, calling himself Milos Obren, founder of the Obrenovitch dynasty Understanding the Political Situation in Servia.
When Karageorge stepped down, Milos was the most powerful man left in Belgrade. A Turkish pasha soon invaded Servia and took control of the city. He made Milos the governor of the province, a position that gave him more influence and ambition.
Betrayal and a Lasting Feud
Worried that Karageorge might return to power, Milos made a treacherous decision. He betrayed Karageorge to the Turkish authorities and arranged his murder. Milos hired a killer named Vuica to assassinate Karageorge while he was sleeping in a mountain hut. This act of betrayal started the bitter and long-lasting rivalry between the two royal families: the Karageorgovitch and the Obrenovitch.
Milos Takes the Throne
Eventually, Milos became king of Servia. However, his leadership style was very different from Karageorge’s. While Karageorge had ruled with simplicity and a sense of justice, Milos ruled as an autocrat, or absolute ruler. Over time, the people became tired of his harsh rule. Public anger forced him to abdicate, and his eldest son, Milan III, became king.
Unfortunately, Milan III died just a month later, and his brother Michael then took the throne. This continued the cycle of political unrest and shifting power that marked much of Servian history.
The story of Servia’s political struggles cannot be told without understanding the feud between the Karageorgovitch and Obrenovitch families. One was founded by a national hero who valued justice and progress; the other by a cunning politician who rose through betrayal and ambition. Their rivalry shaped the future of Servia and influenced its politics for generations.
