The Birth of Yugoslavia, Volume 2

A historical account written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the complex history of Yugoslavia during its early formation after World War I, detailing the political, social, and ethnic struggles that emerged during its initial years of independence. The narrative likely focuses on the challenges faced by the newly unified state, particularly regarding its relations with neighboring countries and the internal divisions among its diverse populations. The opening of the volume discusses the aftermath of the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian army and the subsequent hopes for a united Yugoslavia among the Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes. Baerlein outlines the immediate challenges this fledgling nation faced, including foreign opposition from Italy and Romania, as well as internal discord among its various ethnic groups. The text sets the stage for the ensuing conflicts and political maneuvers as different nationalities within the new state struggled for recognition and power, highlighting the fragile balance of unity and the realities of post-war geopolitical tensions.