Josip Broz Tito

Paper Summary:

This paper studies Josip Broz Tito, the main figure of Yugoslavian politics of the 20th century and the leader of this Balkan country for more than 30 years. Considered the founder of the postwar communist Yugoslav federation, Tito played an invaluable role in 20th century Yugoslav history, which this paper examines in depth. The paper focuses particular attention on Tito's refusal to acquiesce se to Stalin's blanket leadership, citing several historical examples of his independence.

From the Paper:

"Tito's participation in WWII resistance is well-known. "Communist interwar and wartime experience created party organizations in the Balkans that were well-equipped for the resistance struggle, but poorly prepared to exercise real political power after 1945." (Twenty-Five Lectures on Modern Balkan History Lecture 20: The traditional regimes and the challenge of Communism: Patriotism vs. opportunism). After German troops were defeated Tito took the office of Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. In fact he became a real leader of Yugoslavia as he was the most popular political figure in the country. Moreover, his warm relations with victorious Soviet Union and its leader Joseph Stalin on the hand with his guerilla resistance experience caused his great authority both inside and outside Yugoslavia. Early Tito's domestic policy was directed on improving Communists' positions and eliminating political enemies such as royalists and local profascists. Very soon his rule became dictatorial as his party (Yugoslav Communist Party) won elections under unequal conditions; many of his political opponents were assassinated or incarcerated by the secret police. Also Tito provided internationalist policy to reunify the country as there were too many nationalistic movements in all Yugoslav republics especially in Catholic and Muslim regions (Kosovo and Croatia). Ultimately these measures had a success and he managed consolidating the federation which was the main goal of all peoples of multinational Yugoslavia."

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