The Misconceptions About Croatia: Untangling the Truth

Thanks for bringing to light some of the most persistent myths about Croatia. These beliefs, often propagated by voices from other parts of the region, can be troubling and often misleading. This article aims to clarify these misconceptions and provide a more accurate understanding of Croatian history and identity.

Myth 1: The Croatian Nation is Genocidal, Pro-Nazi, and Collectively Responsible for WWII Victims

This myth is perhaps one of the most harmful and baseless. The assertion that the Croats were genocidal, pro-Nazi, and responsible for the deaths of millions of Serbs during World War II is an exaggeration borne out of political rhetoric. Historical evidence shows that while there were groups within Croatia during the war who aligned themselves with the Axis powers, the notion of a collective Croatian population becoming genocidal or pro-Nazi is an overstatement. The Nazis' own documents and accounts of atrocities reveal their astonishment at the level of violence displayed by Croats, which was often due to localconflicts and nationalistic fervor rather than a coordinated, widespread genocidal campaign.

Myth 2: All Croatians Were Nazis During WWII and Did Not Have Partisan Resistance

Another common myth is that all Croatians supported Nazism during World War II, without any partisan resistance. In reality, while there were pro-Axis elements within Croatia, significant sections of the Croatian population, both urban and rural, resisted the regime. The Partisan struggle in Croatia, led by Josip Broz Tito, was extensive and made tremendous contributions in the fight against fascism. The resistance was not limited to a few individuals but involved a broad spectrum of Croatians, including peasants, intellectuals, and trade unionists.

Myth 3: Croatia Caused the Disintegration of Ex-Yugoslavia and the Expulsion of Serbs in the 1990s

It is often claimed that Croatia was solely responsible for the disintegration of Yugoslavia and that its actions led to the expulsion of 300,000 Serbs in the 1990s. However, this viewpoint oversimplifies a complex situation. The disintegration of Yugoslavia was a result of a variety of factors, including political, economic, and ethnic tensions that emerged after the fall of Communism. Both Croatia and Serbia played significant roles in the conflicts of the 1990s. The war, which involved numerous factions and alliances, was not a straightforward struggle between two sides but a multifaceted conflict that affected all involved.

Myth 4: Croatia is a Balkan Nation and its Cuisine and Culture Represent the Region

The suggestion that Croatia, and its cuisine, are representative of the "Balkans" is frequently made to emphasize its Balkan nature. While it is true that Croatia shares historical and cultural ties with the region, it is also a nation with a strong and distinct sense of its own identity. Croatians have a unique cultural heritage that is different from other Balkan countries, marked by its own history of Byzantine, Venetian, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian influence. This heritage is reflected in its art, architecture, music, and especially in its Croatian cuisine, which features dishes like cevapi and pljeskavica, deeply rooted in local traditions and flavors.

Myth 5: Croatians Speak Serbian or Serbo-Croatian, and They Both Should Be the Same

The assertion that Croatian and Serbian are the same language, or that they should be made the same, is a common misconception. Linguists and philologists recognize that while Croatian and Serbian share significant similarities, they are distinct Croatian and Serbian languages, each with its own grammar, vocabulary, and regional variations. The differences are not arbitrary; they reflect the unique histories, diasporas, and development of these languages over time. This myth is often perpetuated to stoke ethnic divisions and to claim a linguistic superiority over one another. In reality, both languages have evolved and adapted to their respective contexts, making them rich and diverse tools of expression.

Myth 6: Croatia Would Not Have Existed Without Belgrade's Liberations

Another dubious claim is that without Serbian military support, Croatia would have remained much smaller or even disappeared. This myth ignores the complex military and political dynamics of the 1990s. The Croatian army played a crucial role in securing its borders and gaining international recognition. Even though Serbian forces did provide some support, Croatian independence was achieved through a combination of military resilience, international diplomacy, and the population's desire for self-determination. The conflict was a multi-faceted struggle where various forces from different parts of the former Yugoslavia were involved.

Myth 7: Croatia Would Have Been Better Off in an Eternally Serbian Embrace

The idea that Croatia would have been better off if it had never separated from Serbia is a faulty comparison. While Croatia did experience a substantial war with significant loss of life and material destruction, the country has shown remarkable resilience in the years since. Economic development, tourism, and the establishment of democratic institutions are just a few examples of Croatia's progress. The war brought tremendous hardship, but it also provided an opportunity for a new start and a stronger, more independent nation. The experiences of the 1990s are a part of Croatian history, but they do not define its future potential.

Myth 8: Croatia Has Benefited from Massive Aid from the West

The notion that Croatia has received "enormous aid" from the West is another myth. While Croatia did receive financial and technical support during its integration into the European Union, this aid was commensurate with its needs and challenges. Similar support was offered to other post-conflict countries in the region. Croatia's economic growth and stability are not solely a result of external aid but a combination of domestic reforms, investments, and international support. The country's journey to becoming a member of the European Union and NATO is more a testament to its own achievements and the efforts of its people rather than charity from abroad.

Myth 9: Croatian Economy Would Match Serbia's Without Tourism

The idea that the Croatian economy would be equally developed as Serbia's if it did not have tourism is misguided. While tourism is a crucial part of Croatia's economy, it is not the only sector. Agriculture, manufacturing, and service industries are also significant contributors to the country's economy. Moreover, the historical context shows that Croatia's economic potential has always been greater than what it was during its earlier times. The myth of lagging behind Serbia during the Middle Ages is a Eurocentric view that does not reflect the complex historical and economic realities of both nations. In fact, Croatia has shown remarkable economic growth and is continuing to strengthen its position in the global market.

Myth 10: Dubrovnik Always Belonged to Serbia

The assertion that Dubrovnik has always been a Serbian city is false. Dubrovnik, with its rich history and cultural significance, has always been an independent city-state and later a part of Croatia. The Serbian army's efforts to level the city to the ground in 1991 was a symbolic act of strategic importance during the war, but it does not negate the city's historical and cultural autonomy. Dubrovnik's unique identity, influenced by its centuries of independence and Venetian rule, makes it a valuable and distinct part of Croatia's heritage.

In conclusion, these myths serve to perpetuate a narrative of historic conflict and division, which hinders the peaceful coexistence and understanding of the region. By acknowledging and addressing these myths, we can work towards a more informed and inclusive understanding of Croatian history and identity.