“ History and geography have always conspired cruelly against the Balkans, and Yugoslavia lies at their heart… Peace has never presided for long over these rich plains and thick forests, these green and flowered valleys and soaring mountains without end. Freedom has played a stranger. ”

- National Geographic 1970, Jordan

In 1919, the republics of Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina became the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes. At this point Serbians, Croatians, and Muslim Bosnians became more nationalistic about their ethnicity. These differences never posed a threat due to strong leadership which suppressed any sign of nationalism.