Serbia gains independence in 1878. Illusions and reality

Abstract

Serbia became an independent state after the Russo-Turkish war of 1877-1878. Relations between the Russian Empire and the Serbian Principality deteriorated on the eve of the signing of the Treaty of Berlin. This was largely due to the personal position of the Serbian Prince Milan. Serbian leadership considered it impossible to support Russia in the event of a new war. For the Russian side, the unwillingness of the Serbian side to follow Russia's recommendations was unexpected. Serbian historiography has long argued that this position of Serbia was due to the infringement of Serbian national interests in the course of signing of the Treaty of San Stefano. Serbian territorial claims were not satisfied, and the creation of Greater Bulgaria seemed unfair to the Serbs. However, sources indicate that the rejection of consultations with Russia occurred not only for this reason. Prince Milan took a determined course for an Alliance with Austria-Hungary and a break-up with Russia. This is recognised by modern Serbian historiography. The departure from consultations with the Russian Empire and the rapprochement with the Habsburg monarchy largely determined the nature of Serbia's state-building, as well as its relations with neighbouring Balkan States. Serbia gained the status of an independent state, but at the same time became dependent on its Northern neighbour - Austria-Hungary.