WWII Memory and the 1991–1995 Yugoslav Wars

WWII Memory and the

1991–1995 Yugoslav Wars

The Role of Croatian and Bosniak Historical Narratives

Academic Presentation · May 2026

Introduction

The conflicts of 1991–1995 in the former Yugoslavia were strongly influenced by historical memory from the Second World War. Political leaders, nationalist movements, and media frequently referred to wartime atrocities committed during WWII in order to mobilise ethnic fear and justify political agendas. Memories of violence involving Croats, Bosniaks, and Serbs became part of the political atmosphere that contributed to the collapse of Yugoslavia.

Croatia and WWII

The Independent State of Croatia (NDH) was controlled by the fascist Ustaše regime, supported by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy

The regime committed mass crimes against Serbs, Jews, Roma, and political opponents

Concentration camps such as Jasenovac became symbols of ethnic persecution and violence

In the 1990s, Serbian nationalist propaganda used memories of Ustaše crimes to create fear among Serbian populations in Croatia and Bosnia

Bosnia and Bosniaks

in WWII

Bosnia and Herzegovina experienced complex divisions during WWII

Some Bosniaks cooperated with Axis-aligned structures; others joined anti-fascist Partisan movements led by Josip Broz Tito

Muslim military formations such as the SS Handschar Division operated under German command

Many Bosniaks themselves suffered violence during the war

In the 1990s, narratives about collaboration and victimhood were politicised by different nationalist actors

Historical Memory and the 1991–1995 Wars

Political elites in the 1990s used selective historical memory to strengthen nationalism and ethnic division

References to WWII atrocities increased distrust between communities

Historical trauma contributed to fear, revenge narratives, and militarisation

Historical trauma became connected to modern political conflicts, especially in Croatia and Bosnia

WWII (1939–1945)

Yugoslav Wars (1991–1995)

Historical Memory

Conclusion

The Yugoslav wars of the 1990s cannot be explained only through WWII history, but memories of wartime violence played an important role in shaping nationalist identities and political mobilisation. The legacy of WWII demonstrates how unresolved historical trauma and manipulated collective memory can contribute to future conflict.

Unresolved historical trauma and manipulated collective memory can contribute to future conflict.

Key Terms

Ustaše Regime

Fascist Croatian nationalist movement that ruled the NDH during WWII

Jasenovac

Main concentration camp complex operated by the Ustaše regime

Historical Memory

The collective ways societies remember and interpret past events

Nationalism

Political ideology centred on ethnic or national identity

Yugoslav Wars

Series of armed conflicts in former Yugoslavia, 1991–1995

Ethnic Conflict

Violent conflict driven by ethnic, religious, or cultural divisions