The Christmas Uprising or Christmas Rebellion (Serbian: Божићна побуна, Božićna pobuna or Божићни Устанак, Božićni Ustanak) refers to the uprising of Montenegrin guerrilla fighters aimed at overturning the unification of the Kingdom of Montenegro with the Kingdom of Serbia. The uprising occurred in and around the town of Cetinje on 7 January 1919, the day of Orthodox Christmas.
The catalyst for the uprising was the decision of the controversial Grand People's Assembly in Montenegro (The Podgorica Parliament) for unification of Montenegro with the Kingdom of Serbia. The unionist side (in favor of unification with Serbia) outnumbered the party favoring separation. The uprising was named after the Orthodox Christmas of January 7, 1919, when it occurred. The Unionists with aid from the Serbian Army defeated the Zelenaši near Cetinje. Many Montenegrin families and homes were destroyed, as well as many separatists being thrown in prison. The proponents of the rebellion fled to Italy or fled to the mountains, continuing a guerrilla war under the banner of the Montenegrin Army in Exile.
The military leader of the uprising was Krsto Zrnov Popović and its political leader was Jovan S. Plamenac. After it occurred, the dethroned King Nicholas was forced to issue a call for peace, but several groups of rebels continued to resist until 1929, most notably the militia of Savo Raspopović.
Read more about Christmas Uprising: Italian Role, Legacy
Famous quotes containing the words christmas and/or uprising:
“Moving between the legs of tables and of chairs,
Rising or falling, grasping at kisses and toys,
Advancing boldly, sudden to take alarm,
Retreating to the corner of arm and knee,
Eager to be reassured, taking pleasure
In the fragrant brilliance of the Christmas tree....”
—T.S. (Thomas Stearns)
“An uprising would punish only the country, and that is out of the question. But there is yet another approach, the most effective form of resistance: contemptuous compliance.”
—Franz Grillparzer (1791–1872)