Serbian political life has been marred from its beginning by poor administration, corruption, and a bloody rivalry between the Karadjordjevic and Obrenovic clans.

Milos Obrenovic, who had participated in the First Serbian Uprising to its very end in 1813, had been one of the few leaders of the rebellion who stayed in Serbia to face the vengeful returning Turks.

Accordingly, in April 1815 he had instigated the Second Serbian Uprising, becoming Serbia's absolute leader.

After the death of Karadjordje Petrovic, Obrenovic had become leader of Serbia.

By 1817, the Turks had defeated Milos's armies, but not before he negotiated with Marashli-pasha.

Milos's diplomacy had achieved Serbia's autonomy under the Ottomans leaving him in power, as prince Milos, though recognizing the Ottoman state.

After the sultan begins allowing foreign governments to send diplomats to Serbia in the 1830s, foreign intervention further complicates the situation.

Despite these obstacles and his autocratic manner, however, Milos stimulates trade, opens schools, and guides development of peasant lands.

Following a rebellion of Serb citizens against his autocratic and often brutal methods of rule, Milos is compelled to grant a constitution in 1835.