THE SECOND KRIVOŠIJE UPRISING 1881-82.
View from fortress Kom in the direction of Knežlaz²
LAW ON LANDWEHR
In the early 1880s, Vienna was preparing to implement the Landwehr Law in the Bay of Kotor for the second time. Much has changed internationally since the First Krivošije Uprising. Montenegro and Serbia were recognized and Austria-Hungary entered Bosnia and Herzegovina. Russia encourages pan-Slavic movements for independence and unification of Orthodox countries. The restless and uncertain hinterland of Herzegovina and Montenegro forced Austro-Hungary to establish the southern borders of the empire. Fortresses are being built in Krivošije, the presence of the army is growing stronger.
House in Boka
INSURGENCY OUTBREAK
In significantly changed conditions, the tribesmen wrote a petition to the Emperor. After receiving a negative answer, they put 800 insurgents under arms. This time, they do not have the support of Montenegro, because it was blackmailed by the war. Help can only come from the Herzegovinian side. The Commander-in-Chief of the Austro-Hungarian army, vice marshal Stefan Jovanović was in no hurry to fight. He waited for enough troops to gather and for the weather conditions to improve. This attitude encouraged the insurgents, who attacked the stations during the winter months and occupied Orahovac and Dragalj.
Krivošije tribesman
THE FINAL BATTLES
At the beginning of February 1882, Jovanović started an action from 7 directions. Poorly armed and outnumbered, the insurgents avoid direct confrontation. In the battle in Reovci, 500 insurgents managed to inflict losses, but they decided to retreat to the hills in front of strong forces. Without support in food and weapons from the hinterland, the insurgents managed to hold the fight until May, when they realized that it was pointless to continue the resistance. In the night between 20th and 21st May, a large number of insurgents from Krivošije moved to Montenegro. Some of them later returned and descendants of some today still live around Nikšić and Grahovo.
Krivošije tribesmen in ceremonial costume
Directions of army attacks on insurgents¹
Uprising
UPRISINGS ECHOES
Krivošije Uprisings were one of the most significant uprisings in the history of this area. Due to the intensity and consequences, as well as the repercussions they had among the Slavic population, it was believed to represent the beginning of the imminent large-scale liberation war.
Postcard from Crkvice 1901.
UPRISINGS ECHOES
Sunce seda
a meseca zraka bleda
kroz večernju tavnu rumen
u sumornu goru gleda.
U gori četa mala
sto junaka sto gorštaka
od umora, od megdana
i od bola i od rana
na go kamen popadala.
Gora ćuti,
na grudima nežno nija
hrabru decu Krivošija...
Iz pjesme Đure Jakšića „Straža”
a meseca zraka bleda
kroz večernju tavnu rumen
u sumornu goru gleda.
U gori četa mala
sto junaka sto gorštaka
od umora, od megdana
i od bola i od rana
na go kamen popadala.
Gora ćuti,
na grudima nežno nija
hrabru decu Krivošija...
Iz pjesme Đure Jakšića „Straža”
¹ Source: Radojica Pavićević
² Source: Volker Pachauer
³ Source: Österreichisches Staatsarchiv
4 Source: Österreichische Gesellschaft für Festungsforschung
Important Note: Explore the fortresses and use the trails at your own risk.
² Source: Volker Pachauer
³ Source: Österreichisches Staatsarchiv
4 Source: Österreichische Gesellschaft für Festungsforschung
Important Note: Explore the fortresses and use the trails at your own risk.
