The History of Yugoslavia

Episode 52.5 - The Albanians of Kosovo Nov 18, 2024

A supplemental episode discussing the class, kinship and ethnic dynamics in Kosovo in the centuries and decades leading up to World War II.

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Episode 52 - The Greater War Part II: Occupation and Partition May 28, 2024

After the rapid conquest of Yugoslavia by the Wehrmacht and its allies, the Axis powers set about carving the country up between themselves.

(credit for the map to Wikipedia user DIREKTOR)

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Episode 51 - The Greater War Part 1: Invasion Apr 19, 2024

Sorry I've been gone for so long, but I'm back! Today, we see World War II in Yugoslavia finally begin, as the Nazis invade.

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Update Oct 30, 2022

Just to let you all know I am still alive, and yes, I will be getting back to the podcast! Also, sorry about the bad acoustics, I'm currently in a different apartment.

Episode 50 - Ask Me Anything Mar 05, 2022

Sorry for the long delay between episodes!

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Check out this episode!

Episode 49.5 - An Interview with Stevan Bozanich Sep 18, 2021

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!

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Episode 49 - Coup and War Jul 28, 2021

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!

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Episode 48 - Sporazum May 04, 2021

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.

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Episode 47 - War on the Horizon Again Feb 23, 2021

In October 1934, Prince Paul took over the Kingdom of Yugoslavia at its lowest point, meaning the only way was up. Right?

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Episode 46 - Assassination Round 3: Regicide Dec 03, 2020

In October 1934, King Alexander decided to make a state visit to France, Yugoslavia's closest ally. He would not come back alive.

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Episode 45 - The Dictatorship Struggles On Oct 11, 2020

In late 1931, King Alexander decided to relax his dictatorial rule a little.

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Episode 44.5 - An Interview with Christian Kurzydlowski Jul 25, 2020

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.

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Episode 44 - Royal Dictatorship Jun 17, 2020

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.

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Episode 43.6 - A Panel Discussion on Interwar Yugoslavia May 10, 2020

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.

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Episode 43.5 - An Interview with Joe Tripician Apr 18, 2020

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

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Episode 43 - The End of Yugoslav Democracy Mar 15, 2020

After Radić's death, Yugoslavia's parliamentary system, never the most stable, began to collapse.

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Episode 42 - The Slav Kingdom in Interwar Europe Dec 23, 2019

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

Episode 41.5 - An Interview with Chris Klimovitz Nov 12, 2019

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.

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Episode 41 - Assassination Round 2 Sep 12, 2019

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

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Episode 40 - Corruption and Gridlock Aug 14, 2019

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.

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Episode 39.5 - An Interview with Aleksandar Brezar Jul 22, 2019

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

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Episode 39 - Parliamentary Horsetrading Jul 08, 2019

With the 1921 Constitution passed, would Yugoslav politics be able to settle down? Of course not.

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Episode 38 - The Constituent Assembly Apr 02, 2019

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

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Episode 37 - The 1920 Elections Mar 14, 2019

In November 1920, Yugoslavs chose 419 deputies to represent them in a Constituent Assembly. Their choices were quite a surprise.

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Episode 36 - The Parties Feb 11, 2019

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

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Episode 35 - A New Country Dec 25, 2018

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.

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Episode 34.5 - An Interview with John Paul Newman Nov 18, 2018

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.

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Episode 34 - Montenegro and Vojvodina Nov 05, 2018

Shorter episode this week, just bringing the two remaining pieces of the Yugoslav puzzle into the fold.

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Episode 33 - The Great War Part 5 Oct 21, 2018

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.

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Episode 32 - The Great War Part 4 Oct 08, 2018

The Russian Revolution of 1917 would drastically reshape the course of the First World War, including in the Balkans.

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Episode 31 - The Great War Part 3 Sep 23, 2018

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

Episode 30 - The Great War Part 2 Sep 02, 2018

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

Episode 29 - The Great War Part 1 Aug 19, 2018

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

Episode 28.5 - Srebrenica, and Where I've been Jul 31, 2018

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

Episode 28 - A Quiet Day in Sarajevo Jun 16, 2018

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

Episode 27 - Slovenia Jun 02, 2018

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]

Episode 26 - Bosnia-Herzegovina May 19, 2018

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

Episode 25 - The Assassination Prequels May 05, 2018

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]

Episode 24 - Both Sides of Our Nation Apr 21, 2018

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

Episode 23 - Students and Protests Apr 07, 2018

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

Episode 22.5 - An Interview with Jasmin Mujanović Mar 24, 2018

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.

Episode 22 - Croats and Serbs Mar 10, 2018

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

Special Episode Announcement Mar 03, 2018

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

Patreon

Ethnopolis

Episode 21 - Greater Croatia Feb 24, 2018

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

Episode 20 - Absolutism and Reform Feb 10, 2018

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

Episode 19 - 1849 Dec 23, 2017

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

Episode 18 - 1848 Dec 09, 2017

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

Episode 17 - The Illyrians Nov 25, 2017

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

Episode 16 - The Last Augustus Nov 11, 2017

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

Episode 15 - Joseph II Oct 28, 2017

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

Episode 14 - Lands of the Emperor Oct 14, 2017

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

Episode 13 - The Balkan Wars Part II Sep 30, 2017

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

Episode 12 - The Balkan Wars Part I Sep 16, 2017

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

Episode 11 - War on the Horizon Sep 02, 2017

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

Episode 10 - Death of a Dynasty Aug 19, 2017

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

Patreon Announcement Aug 17, 2017

Hey all. Just a brief note about the podcast's new patreon page, at https://www.patreon.com/historyofyugoslavia

Thank you!

Episode 9 - The Prince is Gone. Long Live the King! Aug 05, 2017

Download Episode! So Serbia is now independent, and instead of just a Prince, it now has a King. OK. Now what? Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0

Episode 8 - The Great Eastern Crisis Part II Jul 22, 2017

Download Episode! The second half of the great war of the 1870s in the Balkans. Maps page including new map for 1878 here. Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0

Episode 7 - The Great Eastern Crisis Part I Jul 15, 2017

Download Episode! Today, we enter the most important event in Serbia's history since the Second Uprising, as the Principality goes to war with the Ottomans again. Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0

Episode 6 - The Obrenović Comeback Tour Jun 24, 2017

Download Episode! In 1858, Miloš and Mihailo Obrenović came back from exile. This week, we'll see what they got up to second time round. Also, there are now maps! Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0

Episode 5.5 - The Black Mountain Jun 10, 2017

Download Episode! Today, we get up to speed on what's been happening up until the 1850s in Serbia's neighbour, Montenegro. Theme Music – “Charlotte” by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0

Episode 5 - Greater Serbia Jun 03, 2017

Download Episode! This episode, we take a look at developments in Serbia under the reign of the much-maligned Prince Alexander Karađorđević, and the origins of the Serb ethnic nationalist movement. Theme Music - "Charlotte" by Damiano Baldoni, licensed under CC BY 4.0

Episode 4 - The Sick Man of Europe May 19, 2017

Download Episode! After becoming Prince of Serbia in 1817, Miloš Obrenović set about consolidating his position as an autocratic ruler. Further to the South, the Greeks start to get restless too....

Episode 3 - The Serbian Uprising May 06, 2017

Download Episode! Finally, time to get the first of the countries that will become Yugoslavia on the board, as a bunch of disgruntled Janissaries inadvertently provoke the creation of modern Serbia.

Episode 2 - Land of the Romans Apr 22, 2017

Download Episode! This week's episode explores the background to the Balkan national independence movements - the Ottoman Empire. Enjoy, and any comments or feedback are appreciated!

Episode 1 - In the Beginning Apr 08, 2017

Download Episode! In this Introductory episode, I explain the concept of this podcast and give a lightning summary of Balkan history up to the 18th Century. Hope you enjoy it!

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