The History and Breakup of Yugoslavia

Formation of Yugoslavia

• Post-WWI Creation:
  • Formed in 1918 from the Kingdom of Serbia, Kingdom of Montenegro, and parts of Austria-Hungarian Empire.
  • Initially named Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes; later renamed Kingdom of Yugoslavia.
• WWII Impact:
  • Occupied by Axis powers in 1941, kingdom ceased.
• Post-WWII Reestablishment:
  • Reestablished in 1945 as a socialist state with six republics: Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, and Macedonia.
  • Initially aligned with Stalin but remained neutral during the Cold War; founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement.

Ethnic Tensions and the Role of Tito

• Managing Ethnic Tensions:
  • Ethnic tensions existed but were managed by President Josip Broz Tito through promotion of unity and suppression of nationalism.
• After Tito's Death:
  • Tito's death in 1980 led to rising ethnic tensions and economic decline.
  • Nationalism increased, contributing to eventual collapse.

Political Changes and Nationalism in the 1980s

• League of Communists:
  • Dominant political party; included the six republics and two autonomous provinces (Vojvodina, Kosovo).
• Rise of Slobodan Milošević:
  • Became leader of Serbian branch in 1986.
  • Supported reduction of autonomy in Kosovo, leading to increased ethnic tensions.

The Breakup of Yugoslavia

• Independence Movements:

  • Multi-party elections post-League of Communists dissolution.
  • Slovenia and Croatia declared independence on June 25, 1991.
  • Macedonia achieved peaceful independence through a referendum.

• Yugoslav Wars:

  • Croatian War of Independence:
    • Serbian minority in Croatia rebelled with aid from Yugoslav National Army.
    • Croatia declared independence, leading to war.
  • Bosnian War:
    • Bosnia and Herzegovina declared independence in 1992.
    • Conflict between Bosniaks, Serbs, and Croats; known for severe ethnic violence.
    • Siege of Sarajevo and Srebrenica massacre notable events.

• International Involvement:

  • NATO airstrikes and European Community interventions.
  • Dayton Accords in 1995 ended Bosnia conflict, dividing it into two entities.

Later Developments

• Kosovo Conflict:

  • Continued tension with Serbia despite declaration of independence in 2008.
  • NATO intervention in 1999 supported Kosovo Liberation Army.

• Final Dissolution:

  • In 2003, renamed to State Union of Serbia and Montenegro.
  • Montenegro gained independence in 2006.

Conclusion

• Legacy:
  • Yugoslavia's breakup resulted from internal ethnic tensions and political changes.
  • Currently, former republics are independent and mostly peaceful.
  • Unresolved issues in Kosovo remain, posing potential for future conflict.