The division and occupation of Yugoslavia in WWII happened after the April War. The Kingdom of Yugoslavia ceased to exist, following a decision of representatives of Germany, Italy, Bulgaria, and Hungary; although it was recognized as a legitimate member of the anti-Hitler coalition. In place of the kingdom, three state protectorates were formed: the Independent State of Croatia, Serbia and the Kingdom of Montenegro. The de facto power in these protectorates belonged to the axis countries: Germany, Italy, Hungary, and Bulgaria. The restoration of the integrity of Yugoslavia was carried out after the end of World War II. The Democratic Republic of Yugoslavia was formed, and power was transferred to the Communist Party of Yugoslavia.
Planning the Partition of Yugoslavia
Hitler announced plans for the partition of Yugoslavia at a meeting on March 27, 1941, after receiving news of a coup in Belgrade. During a secret meeting he had convened with the leaders of the Third Reich, preparations were made to divide Yugoslavia, both militarily and as a state entity. Specific proposals for partitioning the country were formulated both before the start of hostilities and even after the invasion by Germany and its allies into Yugoslavia. Actually, German proposals were supplemented by ideas voiced by Italy, Hungary, and Bulgaria.
On March 27, at a meeting with the Bulgarian and Hungarian ambassadors, Hitler said the first thing was to solve the question of Macedonia and proposed joining Vardar Macedonia to Bulgaria. The Hungarian ambassador had Germany’s support of Hungarian claims to Yugoslav lands. Hitler wanted to extend the territory to the Croatian population, but then proposed Hungarian patronage over Croatia. On March 28, Budapest reacted to Hitler’s statement by rejecting the idea of including Croatia in Hungary.
On April 12, a plan was directed by Hitler, “Preliminary directions of the division of Yugoslavia”. This plan solidified the fate of Slovenia: it was to be divided between Germany and Italy. Montenegro was provided with independence. Since the Ustashe proclaimed Croatia’s independence on April 10, 1941, the plan provided its preservation.
Creation of the Independent State Croatia
The largest independent state among the puppet states was the Independent State of Croatia, proclaimed on April 11, 1941; occupying most of the territory of modern Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, which were occupied by German and Italian troops. The leader of the state was Ante Pavelic. Nominally, on May 18, under the name of Tomislav II, the state was headed by a prince of the Italian royal house.
The throne of the newly created state representative from the Italian dynasty was intended to designate the Italian protectorate over him. The role of Tomislav II in the new state was purely nominal since all real power was in the hands of the Croatian fascist movement of the Ustasha and its’ leader, Ante Pavelic. The monarch never visited the territory.
Apart from Croatia itself, which lost a significant part of the Gorski Kotar, the Croatian Maritime Territory and Dalmatia with their islands transferred to Italy. Mejumurja and northern Osijek in the small Slavonian region, were annexed by Hungary; the whole of Bosnia and Herzegovina was included in the new state, and all of Srem. At the same time, the state was divided, half into German (northeastern) and Italian (south-western) spheres of military control, where German and Italian troops could be deployed, respectively. Finally, the borders were approved at a meeting of Hitler with Pavelic on June 6, 1941.
In September 1943, Italy withdrew from the war, and the Italian troops left the territory, Tomislav II abdicated, the monarchy was abolished, and the authority of the head of state was transferred to Pavelic.
Territorial Changes Involving Germany
After the partition of Yugoslavia, Germany, in April-May of 1941, established its control over the majority of Serbia proper, adding some areas north of Kosovo and Metohija, rich in zinc and tin deposits, and over the Yugoslav Banat, which constituted the eastern half of Vojvodina. Germany also included administrative control of the northern part of Slovenia, mainly the Upper Kraina and Lower Styria in addition to separate adjacent areas.
Territorial Changes Involving Italy
As a result of the division of Yugoslavia, Italy received considerable territories. The West of Slovenia was turned into the province of Ljubljana, with an administrative center in Ljubljana. Its’ status differed from other provinces of Italy: it was considered as corpus separatum, having its own self-government.
A significant part of the Yugoslavian coast became part of the Dalmatia Governorate. The governorship was divided into the regions of Zadar, Split, and Kotor. In 1941, the Governorate included the islands of Pag, Brač, and Hvar, which the Independent State of Croatia ceded to Italy. Rijeka and part of its environs, which included the islands of Krk, Rab, and many others, also became part of the province of Venice-Giulia. Italy also occupied Montenegro, whose territory was transferred to Italian administration. The protectorate included the entire territory of present-day Montenegro and western Sandzak. Italy occupied most of Kosovo and Metohija and the western districts of Vardar Macedonia, which were annexed to occupied Albania.
Territorial Acquisitions of Hungary
Hungary occupied the northwestern part of Vojvodina, the Slavonian region to the north of Osijek, as well as a vast part of Prekmurye. Also, the Hungarian administration was established in Mejumurje.
Territorial Acquisition of Bulgaria
As a result of the partition of Yugoslavia, Bulgaria received most of Vardar Macedonia, as well as some areas in the southeast of Serbia proper and Kosovo and Metohija. These territories were actually annexed, although at the request of Berlin, they were formally considered transferred to the Bulgarian government. It was assumed that their status would be finally determined only after victory in the war, which, as Hitler had intended, was to be won by the Third Reich and its allies.