Thesis abstract:

«p»In the aftermath of the Balkan Wars (1912-1913), the territory of Macedonia was partitioned by the Great European Powers into Greece, Serbia (subsequently Yugoslavia), and Bulgaria. The Treaty of Versailles (1919) cemented the rule of these states over their share of Macedonia. The study investigates the repression that the three states exerted onto their Macedonian population during the interwar period, examining their motivations. Given that the Macedonian ethno-national identity was perceived as a threat to the incorporation of the Macedonian territory and people, repression was used to safeguard territorial control. Massacres, physical torture, ethnic cleansing, population displacement, assimilation, and cultural, ethnic, linguistic, and economic destruction were utilised. It draws upon concepts such as minority rights, genocide, and colonialism, taking into account the role of the League of Nations, Communist International and various international powers.«/p»