Overview
This lecture traces the origins, development, and dissolution of Yugoslavia, highlighting the historical, ethnic, and political factors that led to its breakup into independent states.
Formation of Yugoslavia
- Yugoslavia was created in 1918 from Serbia, Montenegro, and former Austro-Hungarian territories.
- Initially called the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes; later renamed the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.
- The kingdom ended with Axis occupation during WWII.
- Yugoslavia was reestablished as a socialist federation of six republics in 1945.
Political Structure and Ethnic Tensions
- Yugoslavia consisted of six republics: Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, and Macedonia.
- There were also two autonomous provinces within Serbia: Vojvodina and Kosovo.
- Ethnic tensions existed but were suppressed under President Josip Broz Tito.
- Tito’s death in 1980 led to rising nationalism and economic decline.
Path to Breakup
- Slobodan Milošević gained power in Serbia, reducing autonomy for provinces and creating a voting bloc.
- Rising nationalism led to protests and the dissolution of the League of Communists.
- Multi-party elections and declarations of independence began in Slovenia and Croatia in 1991.
Yugoslav Wars
- The Yugoslav Wars began with conflicts in Slovenia (10-day war, few casualties) and Croatia (Serb rebellions and Yugoslav Army involvement).
- Serbia was willing to let Slovenia go, but not Croatia due to its Serb population.
- International intervention efforts (like the Carrington Plan) failed due to disputes over full independence.
- Macedonia seceded peacefully in 1991.
Bosnian War and International Response
- Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a mixed ethnic population, declared independence in 1992, leading to civil war.
- Bosnian Serbs declared their own republic and attacked Sarajevo.
- The war saw ethnic cleansing, sieges, and massacres despite UN-designated "safe areas."
- NATO intervened with airstrikes and eventually brokered the Dayton Peace Agreement in 1995, dividing Bosnia into two entities.
Later Developments and Final Dissolution
- Post-war, conflict erupted in Kosovo as Albanians sought independence from Serbia.
- NATO intervened; Kosovo declared independence in 2008, but the issue remains unresolved.
- Serbia and Montenegro remained united until 2006, when Montenegro voted for independence.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Yugoslavia — A former federation in Southeastern Europe, now split into several independent countries.
- Republics — The six main regions that made up Yugoslavia (Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia).
- Autonomous provinces — Regions with self-governing rights within Serbia: Vojvodina and Kosovo.
- Tito — Josip Broz Tito, Yugoslavia’s leader who maintained unity.
- Milošević — Serbian leader pivotal in the country’s breakup.
- Dayton Agreement — 1995 peace treaty ending the Bosnian War.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the timeline and map of Yugoslavia’s breakup.
- Study the main causes and consequences of the Yugoslav Wars.
- Prepare for a discussion on the role of international intervention in the Balkans.