The Legacy of Serbia's Great War: Politics and Remembrance

In the winter of 1915, the Serbian Army retreated across the mountains of Albania and Montenegro, resulting in the loss of around 240,000 lives. This book examines the centenary events memorializing the First World War and how the remembrance of Serbian history has been manipulated for political purposes, providing a new perspective on the cultural history of commemoration.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 05 January 2024
Publisher: Berghahn Books

In the winter of 1915, following the Central Powers' invasion of Serbia, the Serbian Army retreated across the mountains of Albania and Montenegro, alongside thousands of civilians. Tragically, around 240,000 individuals lost their lives during this arduous journey. Today, the story of the retreat remains relatively unknown, except in Serbia, where it is celebrated as a heroic Serbian sacrifice in the Great War. In his book, Alex Tomić delves into the centenary events that commemorate the First World War, with a particular focus on the retreat. Through meticulous research and analysis, he compellingly demonstrates how the remembrance of Serbian history has been manipulated for political purposes. Whether through commemorations, ceremonies, or grassroots initiatives, Tomić showcases how these have been employed as distractions from the more recent, unexamined past, offering a valuable new perspective on the cultural history of commemoration.

The winter of 1915 marked a pivotal moment in the history of Europe, as the Central Powers invaded Serbia, triggering a series of events that would shape the course of the Great War. The Serbian Army, under the leadership of General Milan Nedić, retreated across the mountains of Albania and Montenegro, accompanied by thousands of civilians who sought refuge from the advancing forces. The journey was treacherous, and the conditions were harsh, with freezing temperatures and limited supplies.

As the Serbian Army retreated, it faced relentless attacks from the Central Powers, including artillery bombardment and aerial raids. The soldiers fought bravely, but the odds were stacked against them. The retreat lasted for several months, and the soldiers faced starvation, disease, and exhaustion.

Despite the hardships, the Serbian Army managed to maintain its cohesion and continue its retreat. However, the cost of the retreat was staggering. Around 240,000 individuals lost their lives, including soldiers, civilians, and children. The loss of so many lives was a devastating blow to the Serbian people, and the memory of the retreat remains a source of pain and pride for Serbians today.

In Serbia, the retreat is celebrated as a heroic sacrifice in the Great War. It is seen as a symbol of the Serbian people's resistance against foreign aggression and their determination to defend their homeland. The centenary events that commemorate the retreat have been used as a means to promote national unity and pride, and to remind Serbians of their historical significance.

However, the retreat has also been the subject of controversy and debate. Some critics argue that the Serbian Army's retreat was a cowardly act, and that it was responsible for the loss of so many lives. They point to the fact that the Serbian Army could have fought to the end and defended Serbia's territorial integrity.

Others argue that the retreat was a necessary strategic move, and that it allowed the Serbian Army to regroup and prepare for a future counterattack. They point to the fact that the Central Powers were exhausted and overstretched, and that the Serbian Army had a chance to regroup and strengthen its defenses.

Regardless of the differing perspectives on the retreat, it is clear that it had a profound impact on the history of Serbia and the Great War. The loss of so many lives and the bravery of the Serbian soldiers who fought and retreated are a testament to the human cost of war. The memory of the retreat serves as a reminder of the importance of peace, diplomacy, and the protection of human rights and dignity.

In conclusion, the retreat of the Serbian Army in 1915 was a tragic event that marked a turning point in the history of the Great War. It was a moment of sacrifice and resilience, as the Serbian people fought to defend their homeland against foreign aggression. The retreat has been celebrated as a heroic sacrifice in Serbia, and it has been used as a means to promote national unity and pride. However, it has also been the subject of controversy and debate, with differing perspectives on the Serbian Army's actions. The memory of the retreat serves as a reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of peace, diplomacy, and the protection of human rights and dignity.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781805392330