May Coup
1903 military coup against King Alexander I of Serbia; Peter I installed
What was May Coup?
The May Coup was a coup d'état in the Kingdom of Serbia which resulted in the assassination of King Alexander I and his consort, Queen Draga, inside the Stari Dvor in Belgrade on the night of 10–11 June [O.S. 28–29 May] 1903. This act resulted in the extinction of the Obrenović dynasty that had ruled Serbia since the mid-19th century. A group of army officers led by Captain Dragutin Dimitrijević (Apis) organized the assassination. After the May Coup, the throne passed to King Peter I of the Karađorđević dynasty.
May Coup is tied to May 29, 1903. Key people connected to the event include King Alexander I of Serbia, Dragutin Dimitrijević, Peter I of Serbia.
Why May Coup still matters
This article provides a detailed examination of the May Coup, drawing on the accounts of Captain Milan Milovanović and historian Vladimir Dedijer, to offer a nuanced understanding of the complex forces that led to the event and its consequences, including the rise of the Karađorđević dynasty and the country's increasing involvement in regional politics. By analyzing the May Coup, readers can gain insight into the historical context and the ways in which the event shaped the course of Serbian history, as well as the experiences of neighboring countries such as Austria-Hungary and Bulgaria.
Alexander I, King of Serbia, and Queen Draga Assassinated in Belgrade by the Black Hand — May 29, 1903 connects May Coup to a specific historical date. The related article explains the event, the people involved, and why the moment is still remembered.