{"product_id":"hitlers-croatian-ally-the-croatian-army-and-the-battle-for-yugoslavia-1941-1945-9781036128050","title":"Hitler's Croatian Ally: The Croatian Army and the Battle for Yugoslavia, 1941-1945","description":"\u003cb\u003eExplores the rise and struggle of the Independent State of Croatia during WWII's brutal Balkans conflict.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOn 6 April 1941, Nazi Germany, along with Italy and Hungary, invaded Yugoslavia after the overthrow of the Yugoslav regent, Prince Paul. Hitler sought to secure the right flank for his upcoming invasion of the USSR and assist Mussolini, who had failed to conquer Greece. The German attack was swift, and by 17 April, Yugoslavia capitulated, leading to the creation of the Independent State of Croatia (NDH).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnte Pavelic, leader of the fascist Ustase organization, was installed as the head of Croatia. His government immediately began a brutal campaign of repression against non-Croatians, especially Serbs. This sparked rebellions, with Serbian Chetnik bands and Croatian communists forming separate guerrilla movements. The Croatian state was soon overwhelmed by these insurgencies.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eItaly further complicated matters by creating occupation zones within Croatia, supporting Chetnik bands, and hampering Croatian military efforts. The Croatian Army, unable to fortify its territory due to Italian restrictions, was often attacked by Chetniks and forced to fight on two fronts.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDespite these challenges, including inadequate armament and the constant interference of its allies, Croatia maintained a military force that continued to fight until the war's bitter end.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eMuñoz, Antonio J.:\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e - Dr Antonio J. Muñoz lives in New York City. He is a professor of history at Farmingdale State College in Long Island, New York. He is married, has two daughters and two grandchildren. His last work, published in 2018, covered the history of the German Secret Field Police in Greece, 1941-1944.","brand":"Frontline Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51603097125138,"sku":"9781036128050","price":25.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_625e6f48-9178-42f0-821f-c7a3f736c9d0.jpg?v=1757424090","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/hitlers-croatian-ally-the-croatian-army-and-the-battle-for-yugoslavia-1941-1945-9781036128050","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}