Greens (Montenegro)

The Greens (Montenegrin: Zelenaši, Zeleni) were a political faction in Montenegro during and after World War I. They were proponents of Montenegrin independence and opposed the unconditional unification of Montenegro with Serbia, which occurred in 1918, leading to the formation of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (later Yugoslavia).

The name "Greens" derived from the green voting cards they used. They were largely composed of Montenegrin tribesmen who supported King Nicholas I and his dynasty. They clashed with the "Whites" (Bjelaši), who favored unification with Serbia.

The Greens organized several uprisings and armed resistance movements, most notably the Christmas Uprising of 1919, in an attempt to restore Montenegrin independence. These rebellions were ultimately unsuccessful, and the Greens were suppressed by the new Yugoslav authorities.

While the immediate goal of restoring the Montenegrin monarchy failed, the Green movement represented an early expression of Montenegrin national identity and resistance to perceived Serbian dominance. The legacy of the Greens continued to resonate in Montenegrin politics throughout the 20th century and contributed to the eventual independence of Montenegro in 2006. After the initial uprisings, some Greens adopted different political strategies, including advocating for autonomy within Yugoslavia or pursuing their goals through political parties. While the original Green movement faded over time, the idea of Montenegrin distinctiveness and independence remained a significant political force.