Caldron of Conflict

Caldron of Conflict tells the story of Eastern Europe in the tumultuous, often violent years 1918-1945. After introducing the region, Wynot traces the differing paths each nation took from imperial rule to independence following World War I. The author next explores how each fared in the two decades of peace, when so many high political and economic hopes were dashed on the rocks of antidemocratic movements and the financial reefs of the Great Depression. It concludes with a survey of World War II and its aftermath. Caldron of Conflict is essential reading for anyone trying to comprehend the recent and ongoing destruction in this explosive and pivotal region ofthe world.

Foreword vii Preface xi 1. Eastern Europe: Caldron of Conflict 1 The Balkan Powderkeg 7 2. The Birth of Independent Eastern Europe 10 The “Subject Nationalities” at War 11 The Balkan States at War 18 The “Peace Settlement” in Eastern Europe 19 The “Peace Settlements” Evaluated 25 3. Growing Pains, 1920-1929 28 General Problems Common to Eastern Europe 28 The Newly Created States 32 The Balkan Kingdoms 42 4. Toward The Abyss, 1929-1939 52 The Great Depression 53 States Specifically Targeted for Conquest by Hitler 56 The Yugoslav Case 64 The Pro-Axis States 68 The Albanian Exception 76 5. Journey’s End: World War II, 1939-1945 81 The “Victim States” 82 The Axis Allies 95 Epilogue 108 Bibliographical Essay 112 Index 132 Maps: Eastern Europe, circa 1900 3 Eastern Europe, 1923 26 Eastern Europe, 1939-1947 106