The Balkans: Ethnic Conflict

The dismantling of the Soviet Union and its satellites has created confusion and turmoil in Eastern Europe that is often misunderstood by students, or not understood at all. This primary source portfolio tackles the difficult subject of ethnic conflict in the Balkans, and explains the historical and political background of the area through essays, historical documents, photographs, and illustrations. A history of the Ottoman Empire is also provided, as well as explanations of important concepts, such as ethnic cleansing and Nationalism. Students will receive a complete understanding of the tragic events that have occurred since the breakup of Yugoslavia. This portfolio includes a Study Guide with reproducible student activities. A chronology presents events from 540 to 1995 for students to view the crucial details. 5 Illustrated Broadsheet Essays: * Nations, Nation-states and Nationalism * History of the Balkans through 1918 * The Ottoman Influence * The Balkans After 1918 * Ethnic Cleansing 14 Primary Source Documents: * 16th century scenes of the Battle of Kosovo * A Portrait of Sultan Bayezid I * Excerpt from Serbian folk poem, "The Battle of Kosovo" * Maps of the Ottoman Empire: 1353 and mid-17th century * Excerpt from a Timar Register * Late 18th century painting of an Ottoman Grand Vizir receiving a foreign ambassador * Maps illustrating the impact of nationalism on Europe * An excerpt from Mazzini's nationalist oath * An excerpt from Gladstone's Bulgarian Horrors * Serbian, Russian and British documents illustrating events leading to the Congress of Berlin * Documents pertaining to the creation of Yugoslavia * Signatures and seals of the signers of the Treaty of Lausanne * Poster: World War II and the rise of Tito * Map showing territorial division of Bosnia-Herzegovina under the Dayton Accords