Why Was Yugoslavia Neutral During WWII?

The story of Yugoslavia's neutrality during World War II is one of complex history, political maneuvering, and unexpected resistance. Understanding the circumstances that led to its neutral stance requires delving into the aftermath of World War I and the creation of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, better known as Yugoslavia.

The Creation of Yugoslavia

Following the Treaty of Versailles, the victorious Allies redrew the map of Central and Eastern Europe, dividing the territories of the defeated empires. The Creation of Yugoslavia in the aftermath of World War I was a response to this reordering. It was assembled from pieces of former empires, including Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and parts of the Russian Empire, and consisted of territories like Slovenia, Croatia, Macedonia, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Vojvodina, Kosovo, and Serbia. The new state was placed under Serbian rule and officially named the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes.

Yugoslavia During WWII

When World War II broke out in March 1941, Yugoslavia was a relatively weak and divided country. The invasion by Nazi Germany caught the Yugoslav government off guard, and it took roughly a month for the Axis powers to establish control over the territory. Different regions were occupied by various parties: Italy controlled the coastal areas and parts of Slovenia, Croatia was under a quisling government, Bosnia came under direct German occupation, Serbia and Montenegro were occupied by German-Serb collaborationist forces.

Tito's Resistance and Guerrilla War

Josip Broz Tito, a communist leader, organized the Partisan movement to resist occupation. This guerrilla war reflected the ethnic divisions within Yugoslavia and managed to hold back approximately 400,000 Axis troops by the end of the war. The Partisans liberated most of the countryside, with the Soviet army taking over Belgrade and advancing northward.

Yugoslavia's Relationship with the Soviet Union

During the war, Yugoslavia received support from the Allies, particularly from Britain and the United States, through propaganda and military supplies. However, the relationship with the Soviet Union was fraught with tension. Tito felt that the Soviet Union was not fully supportive, which led to a series of disputes over the Soviet presence and control.

The Break from the Soviet Bloc

In June 1948, the Soviet Union expelled Yugoslavia from the Cominform, a tool used by the Soviet Union to exert control over its satellite states. Expecting Yugoslavia to eventually collapse, the Soviet Union was surprised when Tito and his Partisans managed to survive and even thrive. Factors contributing to this resilience included Tito's widespread popular support, the support of the West, especially the United States, and the strong and well-armed army built during the resistance.

Yugoslavia's independence from the Soviet influence and its non-aligned stance is a testament to Tito's leadership and the country's ability to navigate between the two superpowers during the Cold War. This case provides valuable lessons for modern geopolitical strategies and the importance of national determination and local support in overcoming external pressures.