World War II in the Balkans

The Balkan region in World War II had many nations involved including Yugoslavia, Greece, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and other countries on both the Allied and Axis sides.

 History 

 1940-1941 

Greece was invaded by Italy in October of 1940, but the Greeks counterattacked, and pushed through Albania. Not long after in November, Hungary and Romania joined the Axis. Bulgaria joined in March.

Yugoslavia joined the Axis in March of 1941, but left after a coup, so Yugoslavia was invaded by the axis powers. Both fell to the invasion shortly after, and resistance was formed.

 1944-1945 
The Soviets invaded Romanian territory in March 1944, and in August, Romania capitulated, with Bulgaria following in September. The Soviets helped the Yugoslav Partisans liberate Yugoslavia, and the British landed in Greece to liberate the country. In November, Albanian partisans liberated Albania, and set up a provisional government. Soviet forces also invaded Hungary. At this point, Hungary wanted to join the war against Germany, but a pro-axis coup (Operation Panzerfaust) removed Miklós Horthy (regent of Hungary) from power. And a puppet government was established. The fighting caught up to the Hungarian capital city, Budapest, and the Soviets encircled the city and a few months later, Budapest was under control of the Soviet Union.

In March, the Yugoslavs formed a Provisional Government. In April, the Soviets and Partisans launched a final offensive into Axis territory. Sarajevo was liberated on the 6th, and the Soviets entered Austria and entered Vienna. On the 8th of May, Germany officially surrendered. 

 References 

Category:World War II
Category:Balkans
Category:1940 in Europe
Category:1941 in Europe
Category:1942 in Europe
Category:1943 in Europe
Category:1944 in Europe
Category:1945 in Europe