Milan I of Serbia
Milan I of Serbia, also known as Milan Obrenović IV, was the ruler of Serbia from 1868 until his assassination in 1889. He came to the throne at the age of 14 after the overthrow of the ruling Karađorđević dynasty. Milan I modernized Serbia's economy, educational system, and military, and sought to expand Serbia's territory with the goal of creating a strong, centralized state. He was the first Serbian monarch to adopt a constitution for the country, but his efforts to become a regional power were met with resistance from neighboring countries, particularly Austria-Hungary. Milan I was exiled twice during his reign, and his attempts to strengthen the monarchy led to opposition from political rivals and public discontent. He was assassinated by a group of army officers in 1889, leaving a complicated legacy as a figure who tried to modernize Serbia but ultimately failed to win the popular support necessary to achieve his goals.
