Croatian War of Independence

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Croatian War of Independence

The Croatian War of Independence was fought from 1991 to 1995 between forces loyal to the government of Croatia—which had declared independence from the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY)—and the Serb-controlled Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) and local Serb forces. The war was characterized by widespread ethnic cleansing, significant civilian casualties, and the destruction of infrastructure.

Background

The roots of the conflict lay in the complex history of the region, particularly the rise of nationalism in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was a federation of six republics, including Croatia and Serbia. Tensions between the republics grew as the central government weakened, leading to the rise of nationalist movements.

Course of the War

The war began in earnest in March 1991, following a series of skirmishes and escalating tensions. The Battle of Vukovar was one of the first major conflicts, resulting in a prolonged siege and significant casualties. The Siege of Dubrovnik and the Battle of the Dalmatian Coast were other notable engagements.

The conflict saw the involvement of various paramilitary groups and the use of guerrilla tactics. The United Nations intervened with peacekeeping forces, but their impact was limited. The war continued until the signing of the Erdut Agreement in November 1995, which led to the peaceful reintegration of the remaining Serb-held territories into Croatia.

Aftermath

The war had a profound impact on Croatia, leading to significant loss of life, displacement of populations, and economic damage. The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) was established to prosecute war crimes committed during the conflict. Several high-profile leaders, including Slobodan Milošević and Ante Gotovina, were tried for their roles in the war.

Legacy

The Croatian War of Independence remains a significant event in the history of the region. It is commemorated annually on Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and the Day of Croatian Defenders. The war also had a lasting impact on the political landscape of the Balkans and the process of European integration for the countries involved.

Related Pages

• Yugoslav Wars
• Battle of Vukovar
• Siege of Dubrovnik
• Erdut Agreement
• International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
• Franjo Tuđman
• Slobodan Milošević

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