The History of Yugoslavia

Sorry for the long delay between episodes! Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon Check out this episode!

In today's episode, I chat with Chetniks expert Stevan Bozanich about the history of the famous/infamous Serb nationalist paramilitary movement. Stevan's Twitter and Academia profiles Stevan's chapter in "Balkan Legacies" Episode 50 will be the AMA episode – please send me your questions! Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon

Between 1939 and 1941, Yugoslavia tried to stay out of the war engulfing Europe. They failed. Episode 50 will be the AMA episode - please send me your questions! Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon

In 1939, the long-desired solution to the Croatian Question finally seemed to be at hand. Just hope there aren't any World Wars coming which might wreck it. Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon

In October 1934, Prince Paul took over the Kingdom of Yugoslavia at its lowest point, meaning the only way was up. Right? Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon

In October 1934, King Alexander decided to make a state visit to France, Yugoslavia's closest ally. He would not come back alive. Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon

In late 1931, King Alexander decided to relax his dictatorial rule a little. Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon

In the 1930s, Dimitrije Ljotić emerged as one of Nazi Germany's staunchest advocates - and later, one of its most willing collaborators - in Yugoslavia. Today, I sat down with an expert on Ljotić, Dr Christian Kurzydlowski, to chat about the strange life of the man. Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon

King Alexander was convinced that his people all loved him, and that all he had to do to prove it was sweep aside the politicians in the way. It turned out not to be that simple. Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon

So, a few weeks ago, me and a few others got together to have an online chat about the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, and why it didn't work out that well. As you do. Featuring: Dora Vrkić - @DoraVrkic Damir Sakic - @SakicDamir Bronwyn Scott-McCharen - @BronwynScottMcDavide Denti - @DavideDentiTucker Jones - @tuckcomatusDomagoj Babić - @DomagojBabi1Shanker Satyanath - @ShankerSatyana1 Emma Hatto Hope you enjoy it. Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon      

I sat down for a chat with Joe Tripician, the man once commissioned to write the official biography of Croatian President Franjo Tuđman - until his research turned up some not so flattering things about what Tuđman had done during the Yugoslav Wars... Joe's book: "Balkanized at Sunrise" Joe's documentary: "I Was a Paid Propagandist for Croatia" Joe's website The Committee to Protect Journalists Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon

After Radić's death, Yugoslavia's parliamentary system, never the most stable, began to collapse. Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon  

Today, we take a look at what Yugoslavia's neighbours have been up to. A clue: it's a lot.

Today, I chat with Chris Klimovitz, an expert on Albanian history, about the history of Yugoslavia's small neighbour to the Southwest up to the end of the interwar period. Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon

In 1928, the political crisis in Yugoslavia reached a boiling point it would not be able to return from, as blood was spilled on the Parliament floor. (To clarify, there is no Round 1, you haven't missed an episode, this is just the second major assassination of the narrative). Sarajevo Pride Parade Organisers Their email for PayPal donations: info@povorkaponosa.ba Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon

In 1925, Yugoslavia's two great rivals, Stjepan Radić and Nikola Pašić, finally buried the hatchet and formed a government together. Then they remembered why they hated each other in the first place, and the government got nothing done. Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon

Recently I sat down with Aleksandar Brezar, co-host of the Sarajevo Calling podcast on politics and current affairs in the Balkans. Hope you enjoy our conversation. NB: For some apps the length of this episode is for some reason coming up as around 4 hours. This is incorrect - it is only 40 minutes. I'll deal with this glitch as soon as I can, but don't worry, there's no missing content. Listen to Sarajevo Calling! Aleksandar on Twitter Donate page for Srebrenica UK Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon

With the 1921 Constitution passed, would Yugoslav politics be able to settle down? Of course not. Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon

Any hopes that Yugoslavs would come together to write a consensus constitution for their newly united state were swiftly dashed. Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon

In November 1920, Yugoslavs chose 419 deputies to represent them in a Constituent Assembly. Their choices were quite a surprise. Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon

In today's episode, we rattle through the various political parties set to compete for power in the newly united Kingdom - as well as those who want to tear the whole thing down.... The Trailer for the King Peter film Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon

After a long delay, here at last is the new episode! Today, we discuss the early foreign policy of the new Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, and the internal measures taken to make unification a reality. Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon

Today I talk to Dr John Paul Newman of Maynooth University about his book, Yugoslavia in the Shadow of War, and the divisions within interwar Yugoslav society that resulted from the various difference experiences of the First World War and what it meant. Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon

Shorter episode this week, just bringing the two remaining pieces of the Yugoslav puzzle into the fold. Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon

Today, we finally finish off World War I, and witness the birth of Yugoslavia. Or the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, as it was called at first. Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon

The Russian Revolution of 1917 would drastically reshape the course of the First World War, including in the Balkans. Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon

1916 was Serbia's first full year of occupation, and not a pleasant experience. Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon

The First World War in Austria-Hungary began with a massive political crackdown on dissidents. But a few of those dissidents managed to escape, and from exile, they plotted their dream of a united Yugoslavia. The History of Vikings Podcast My 2nd interview on the History Fangirl Podcast Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon

For Serbia and Montenegro, the First World War began very much as a straightforward fight for survival. Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon

Download Episode! Hey all. Realise I've been gone a while, and I thought I'd share with you my experiences on the Marš Mira (Peace March) and the Srebrenica Genocide commemorations. Please be aware before listening that much of the subject matter discussed in this episode is by its nature more dark and harrowing than most regular episodes. Some pictures from the March can be found here. Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page    

In late June 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, visited the capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina. What could possibly go wrong? Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon

Download Episode! Today, we take a brief look at the history of the Slovene Lands under Habsburg rule. Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon [caption id="attachment_313" align="alignnone" width="479"] Peter Kosler's map of the proposed Greater Slovenia (accessed from Wikipedia)[/caption]

Download Episode! In 1878, the Habsburg Empire made its final imperial conquest - the Ottoman provinces of Bosnia & Herzegovina. Today, we take a look at their rule their until 1914. Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon

In the last years before World War I, Croatia became a violent place to be, as student nationalists turned to increasingly radical tactics. Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon [caption id="attachment_295" align="alignnone" width="775"] Popovici's "United States of Greater Austria" Plan[/caption]

In the early 1900s, Croats and Serbs came together to form a united front against Habsburg rule. Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon

As we exit the 19th Century and enter the 20th, a new younger generation of political leaders will emerge in Croatia. Their first goal? To bring down the hated Khuen-Héderváry. Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon

Download Episode! I sat down to talk with Jasmin about his new book, Hunger and Fury, and the development and role of the state and democracy in modern Balkan history and politics Buy the book! Bibliography Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon NB: At one point in the interview, Jasmin refers to "Brendan Simms' Triumph of the Lack of Will". He's since confirmed to me that he mixed up two books - James Gow's Triumph of the Lack of Will, and Brendan Simms' Unfinest Hour. Both are excellent accounts of international involvement in the Yugoslav Wars, and both Jasmin and I would firmly recommend both as further reading.

Download Episode! The Habsburg acquisition of Bosnia in 1878 brought with it significant ethnic polarisation in Croatia - polarisation which the Hungarians were happy to exploit. Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon

An announcement about a new series of episodes available to Patreon donors. Patreon Ethnopolis

Download Episode! After the return of party politics to Croatia in the 1860s, two opposing currents led by two very different men would emerge. On one side, a wealthy bishop will be the first to dream of a united Yugoslavia, while his great rival, a firebrand lawyer, will demand the national glory and expansion of Croatia alone. Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon

After the victory of Counter-Revolution in 1849, the new Austrian regime built up a centralised autocratic Empire run from Vienna. But it would only last a decade before the cracks began to re-appear. Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon

After Jelačić invaded Hungary, the Revolution began to fall apart. My interview on The History Fangirl Podcast Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0   Main Maps Page   Patreon

Download Episode! The Great European Year of Revolution would be the greatest crisis the Habsburg Empire had faced since Napoleon, and Croatia would be far from exempt from the upheaval. Also, the birth of Vojvodina. Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0   Main Maps Page   Patreon

In the decades after the great upheavals of the Napoleonic Wars, a young Croatian named Ljudevit Gaj will launch the first movement for a united South Slavic state. The Latin American History Podcast Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0   Main Maps Page   Patreon

Download Episode! Napoleon conquered Europe, including the Northwest Balkans, in a flash, and then just as quick, lost it all again. On the way, he found time to bring down the last (sort of) Roman Emperor.   The History of Byzantium   Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0   Main Maps Page   Patreon

Download Episode!   In the 1780s, Emperor Joseph II attempted in vain to single-handedly drag the Habsburg Empire into the modern era.   Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0   Main Maps Page   Patreon

Download Episode! Today, we introduce the Habsburg Empire and take a tour round it.   The History of Byzantium   Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0   Main Maps Page   Patreon

Download Episode! In 1912-13, the Balkan states trounced the Ottomans one last time, before turning on each other over the spoils. Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon

Download Episode! Today, we open the final chapter in the Balkans before the Great War, taking a tour round what's left of Ottoman territory in Europe before seeing how the Balkan nation-states competed over it. [caption id="attachment_194" align="alignnone" width="800"] Ethnic Map of Macedonia from the Bulgarian point of view. Author: Th. Weinreb / Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Macedonia_-_Point_of_View_of_the_Bulgarians.jpg[/caption] [caption id="attachment_195" align="alignnone" width="800"] Ethnic Map of Macedonia from the Serbian point of view. Author: Th. Weinreb / Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Macedonia_-_Point_of_View_of_the_Serbs.jpg[/caption]   Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Main Maps Page Patreon    

Download Episode! Serbia gets used to its new King as Europe sets the stage for World War I. Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0

Download Episode! King Alexander I ascended the Serbian throne at the age of 12 in 1889. He didn't know it, but he was to be the last of the Obrenović dynasty..... Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0