Background
The war between Croatia and Serbia took place from 1991 to 1995 and was part of the wider Yugoslav Wars. It was a conflict between the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Serbia, which was supported by the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) and various Serb paramilitary forces. The war was fought in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, with sporadic fighting in other parts of the former Yugoslavia.
Reasons for the War
The war was caused by the breakup of Yugoslavia, a multi-ethnic state, into its constituent republics. Croatia declared its independence from Yugoslavia in June 1991, which was followed by a campaign of ethnic cleansing by Serb forces in Croatia. This was followed by a Croatian military offensive, Operation Storm, which resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Serbs from Croatia.
The war also had political and economic motivations. Serbia wanted to maintain control over the Serb-inhabited areas of Croatia, while Croatia wanted to gain control of its territory and resources. The war was also a proxy conflict between Serbia and Croatia's allies, such as the United States and the European Union, who supported Croatia's independence.
Consequences of the War
The war resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people and the destruction of infrastructure and property. Over 20,000 people were killed and more than 200,000 were injured. The war also caused a deep economic crisis in Croatia, with the country's GDP dropping by 35%.
The war also had a long-lasting impact on the region. It exacerbated ethnic tensions between Serbs and Croats and led to the creation of an ethnically divided state in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It also led to the emergence of nationalist political parties in Croatia and Serbia, which continue to dominate the political landscape in the region.
Conclusion
The war between Croatia and Serbia was a complex conflict with multiple causes and consequences. It was a result of the breakup of Yugoslavia, ethnic tensions between Serbs and Croats, and political and economic motivations. The war resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people and the destruction of infrastructure and property, and it had a long-lasting impact on the region.
Keywords: Croatia, Serbia, War, Yugoslav Wars, Ethnic Cleansing, Operation Storm, Displacement, Destruction, Economic Crisis, Nationalism.
