Croatian Spring

The Croatian Spring was a political movement in the early 1970s advocating for greater Croatian autonomy within socialist Yugoslavia. It emerged from economic and cultural frustrations, emphasizing national identity, language, and decentralization of power. The movement gained significant support among students, intellectuals, and workers but was viewed as a threat by federal authorities. In 1971, Yugoslav leadership suppressed the movement, arresting leaders and tightening control. It remains a key moment in Croatian history, symbolizing there was a strong desire for national self-determination even within the socialist federation.