Montenegrin–Ottoman War (1876–1878)

Montenegrin-Turkish War of 1876 - 1878
Date 18 June 1876 - 19 February 1878 Location Montenegro and Herzegovina Result Montenegrin victory
Belligerents
File:Cs-cg rs.gif Montenegro	Ottoman Empire
Commanders and leaders
Prince Nicholas I Janko Vukotić Luka Filipov	Muktar Pasha Osman Pasha Selim Pasha
Strength
30,000-40,000	12,000-15,000
Casualties and losses
20,000 killed or wounded	8,000 killed, 1,000 wounded 1,150 captured

The Montenegrin-Turkish War of 1876 - 1878 was a war between Montenegro and the Ottoman Empire that took place between 1876 and 1878. The war ended with Montenegro victorious. 6 major and 27 smaller battles were fought, among them was the famous (and crucial) Battle of Vučji Do.

A rebellion in nearby Herzegovina sparked a series of rebellions and uprisings against the Ottoman forces in Europe. Montenegro and Serbia agreed to declare a war on Turkey on 18 June 1876, thus starting the war. In the well planed and bravely fought war, Montenegrins, allied with Herzegovians, emerged victorious. One battle that was crucial to Montenegro's victory in the war was the Battle of Vučji Do. In 1877, Montenegrins fought heavy battles along the borders of Herzegovina and Albania. Prince Nicholas took the initiative and counterattacked the Turkish forces that were coming from the north, south and west. He conquered Nikšić (24 September 1877), Bar (10 January 1878), Ulcinj (20 January 1878), Grmozur (26 January 1878) and Vranjina and Lesendra (30 January 1878)

The war ended in 1878 when the advancement of Russian forces toward Turkey forced Turkey to sign a peace treaty on 19 February 1878, recognising the independence of Montenegro, as well as Romania and Serbia, and also increased Montenegro's territory from 4,405 km² to 15,355 km².

Battles fought

• Battle of Vučji Do (18 July 1876)
• Battle of Fundina
• Battle of Medun
• Battle of Trijebca
• Battle of Spuž
• Battle of Doljani