What is Ethnic Cleansing? Chapter 7: Ethnicity Key Issue #4

Ethnic Cleansing in Europe Ethnic cleansing – removal of an entire ethnic group in an effort to make a region homogeneous ethnically Has come to mean the slaughter and attempt to exterminate an ethnic group WWII was the largest forced migration in history German Nazis moved ethnic minorities into concentration camps

Ethnic Cleansing in Europe Multiethnic Yugoslavia 7 neighbors: 3 democracies (Austria, Greece, & Italy) and 4 communist states (Albania, Bulgaria, Hungary, & Romania) 6 republics: Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Slovenia 5 nationalities: Croats, Macedonians, Montenegrens, Serbs, & Slovenes 4 official languages: Croatian, Macedonian, Serbian, & Slovene 3 major religions: Roman Catholic (north), Orthodox (east), & Islam (south) 2 alphabets: Croatian & Slovene – Roman alphabet, Macedonian & Serbian in the Cyrillic alphabet 1 form of money = dinar

Ethnic Cleansing in Europe Destruction of Multiethnic Yugoslavia Bosnia & Herzegovina – after death of leader Josip Broz Tito Serbs, Croatians, and Muslims fought for control of land Bosnian Serbs attempted to wipeout Bosnian Muslims After settling conflict: Serbs controlled about 50% and Croatians & Muslims controlled 25% ea. Kosovo Disagreement between Serbia and Albanian majority in Kosovo Serbia invaded and took over US & NATO intervened and Serbia withdrew Balkanization – break down of a state based on its ethnic make-up Beginning of WWI & WWII Beginning of WWIII!?

Ethnic Cleansing in Central Africa Hutu & Tutsi Battle for land in Rwanda Tutsi minority ruled After independence, Hutu attacked Tutsi With UN support, Tutsi regained control Spilled over into Burundi Finally the Congo 5.4 million dead during conflict!