Historical Review: 20th Century Yugoslavia, Continued Again

A mélange of different ethnic groups existed in Yugoslavia, with citizens who were Serbs, to Croats, Slovenians, Macedonians, and Albanians. The one common attribute that these ethnic groups shared was the language they spoke. The Serbs in Yugoslavia attempted to become the more dominant ethnic group, but this in turn encouraged Croatian and Slovenian nationalism. As a result, in 1991, Croatia and Slovenia declared their independence from Yugoslavia; the result of this, war between Serbia and Croatia. This war waged only very briefly, for the US and UN stepped in, with UN peacekeepers monitoring the cease-fire in Yugoslavia. Notice that only Croatia was involved in the war- that’s right, Slovenia had evaded fighting. In the end though, independence had been gained by both countries, which showed that such a feat could in fact be accomplished. This led Bosnia to also declare their independence, which happened in 1992. Bosnia, in an attempt to purify their country, and with the aid of the Yugoslavian government, initiated a process of ethnic cleansing, involving the ruthless torturing and murdering of Muslims in Bosnia. The United Nations decided to put into effect an arms embargo on Bosnia, in an attempt to stop the fighting. This prevented the Muslims, in control of the Bosnian government at the time, from getting hold of a means of protection against rebellious Serbs in the country. Continued Serbian aggression on Bosnia brought about air strikes on Serbian targets by NATO, in 1995. The two sides (Bosnian Serbs, and the Muslim-led Bosnian government) agreed to participate in peace talks hosted by the US, taking place in Dayton, Ohio. A settlement was reached, and the peace treaty was titled the Dayton Accord. The further presence of foreign troops, many of which were American, was needed for a while after, in order to maintain the peace.
Through the many events in the countries of Serbia and Yugoslavia during the 20th century, a history has unfolded that can be viewed as unique, and distinctive. Through Yugoslavia’s involvement in both world wars, the country can be clearly seen as an ally to the United States, and even as an aide to the American dream. Yugoslavia’s government is currently a republic, although even as a communist government under the control of Marshall Tito, it was in opposition to the Axis powers in World War II, and Russia’s “Iron-Curtain” sweeping across Europe later in the century. According to the historical review provided of the kingdom of what was once Serbia, later Yugoslavia, and currently Serbia Montenegro, it can be seen that this country has been undoubtedly beneficial to not only European, but world history, and the conditions in which America is present today. What if the 800,000 members of the National Liberation Front in World War II had aligned themselves with, rather than against Nazi Germany, giving Germany a boost militarily, and hence causing them to have won World War II? Where would we be today?