Signing of the Corfu Declaration

July 20th, 1917

July 20th, 1917

Signing of the Corfu Declaration
How Long Ago?

107 years, 7 months, 23 days ago

Location

Corfu, Greece

Category

Politics & Government

War/Conflict

World War I

People
  • Nikola Pašić
  • Ante Trumbić
  • Milan DJ. Savić
Links & References
Tags

Signing of the Corfu Declaration

The Corfu Declaration, signed by the Yugoslav Committee and the Kingdom of Serbia, outlined the principles for the creation of a unified South Slavic state. This agreement aimed to solidify the cooperation among the South Slavic peoples, fostering aspirations for independence from Austro-Hungarian rule. The signing took place on the island of Corfu, Greece, reflecting the joint efforts of the Yugoslav nationalist movement during World War I as they sought greater self-determination amidst the ongoing conflict.

Signed by Yugoslav Committee and Serbia's leaders.

Promoted unity among South Slavic nations.

Set principles for future Kingdom of Yugoslavia.

Gained support from Allied Powers during the war.

What Happened?

The Corfu Declaration represented a pivotal moment in the South Slavic nationalist movement during World War I. It was signed on July 20, 1917, by representatives of the Yugoslav Committee, an organization formed to advocate for the interests of South Slavs, particularly those under Austro-Hungarian rule. The declaration sought to unify the South Slavic peoples, promoting the idea of a single state that would incorporate regions inhabited by Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes. The location of the signing on the island of Corfu was not incidental; it served as a meeting point for exiled leaders and representatives from various regions affected by the war. The declaration enumerated essential principles regarding governance, including democratic representation and national equality, which were crucial for gaining support from various ethnic groups. It reflected the growing discontent with the Austro-Hungarian Empire and its restrictive policies, thereby encouraging South Slavic unity. The agreement gained much attention among the Allied Powers, as it aligned with their interests in breaking up the Austro-Hungarian Empire, thereby weakening their enemy during the war. Notably, the Corfu Declaration laid the groundwork for the eventual establishment of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, which was declared in 1918. The vision described in the declaration materialized into a new state, effectively reshaping the political landscape of Southeast Europe. This development caused significant shifts in national identities and relations among ethnic groups in the post-war period.

Why Does it Matter?

The Corfu Declaration is interesting as it marks a key step towards the formation of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. It symbolizes the collective ambitions of the South Slavic people to reshape their destiny post-World War I. The unification efforts initiated by this agreement continue to resonate in the political landscape of the Balkans, influencing national identities even into the modern era.

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