The Balkan region has been the crossroad of conflict for several centuries. The Serbs, Croats and Slovenes migrated to the region from current-day Russia in the 7th centeury. Muslims arrived in the Balkans when the Ottoman Empire, from Turkey and Asia Minor, marched in to bring its religion of Islam. The result has been an area populated by opposing cultures, each claiming it for its own.
1350 A.D.
Serbia begins its expansion after the Battle of Velbuzd in 1330. Hungary, Venice and the Holy Roman Empire vie for control of the Croats and Slovenes to the northwest of Serbia.
1529
The Ottoman Empire claims Macedonia and southern Serbia after the Battle of Marica in 1371 and controls most of the Balkan region by the early 1500s. Montenegro retains autonomy.
1907
The Ottoman Empire loses its foothold by the end of the 19th century. Austria-Hungary gains control of Bosnia and Herzegovina and formally annexes it to block Serbia from expanding into the southern Slav state. An independent Albania is created to block Serbia's outlet to the sea.
1917-41
After World War I, Austria-Hungary is dissolved and independence is proclaimed under King Alexander of Serbia. He changes the country's name to Yugoslavia, abolishes the Constitution and begins rule as dictator. Croats believe that Serbs have too much power in the newly formed government and form the Ustase, a separatist movement.
1941-45
Hitler partitions Yugoslavia, rewarding the Ustase by establishing the Nazi puppet state of Independent Croatia. Serbia is occupied by Germany.
1945-80
After World War II, Josip Tito reorganizes Yugoslavia as a federation under Communist rule and suppresses ethnic rivalries. By the end of his 35-year dictatorship, greater autonomy was given to all regions. The country's forced unity begins to crumble several years after his death in 1980.