Bosnia and Herzegovina

Explore the comprehensive timeline of Bosnia and Herzegovina, detailing its key historical events from ancient times to the present. This timeline includes significant occurrences in the region, such as the influence of the Roman Empire, the medieval Bosnian Kingdom, the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian rule, the turbulent 20th century, including Yugoslav wars, and the country's path towards independence.

6 oktober 1908

28 juni 1914

8 februari 1984

1 maart 1992

6 april 1992

2 mei 1992

11 juli 1995

21 november 1995

19 februari 2003

21 juli 2008

06oktober
1908
06 October 1908

Annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

On October 6, 1908, Austria-Hungary formally annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina, territories that it had administered since 1878. The annexation was part of the broader geopolitical maneuvering in the Balkans and provoked international tension, especially with Serbia and Russia, as well as domestic unrest. This event increased nationalistic sentiment and contributed to the complex preconditions leading up to World War I, highlighting the region's strategic importance and the fragile balance of power in Europe.

28juni
1914
28 June 1914

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, was assassinated in Sarajevo by Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb nationalist. This event triggered the July Crisis, leading to the outbreak of World War I as Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. The assassination underscored the political volatility in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the broader region, setting off a series of alliances and military mobilizations across Europe, changing the course of history.

08februari
1984
08 February 1984

1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo

The XIV Olympic Winter Games were held in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia, from February 8 to February 19, 1984. This was a significant event as Sarajevo was chosen as the host city, making it the first and only time a Balkan nation hosted the Winter Olympics. The games were celebrated for their friendly atmosphere and excellent organization and showcased Yugoslavia's cultural diversity and hospitality. The event gained further historical significance due to its occurrence before the Yugoslav wars of the 1990s.

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01maart
1992
01 March 1992

Bosnia and Herzegovina Independence Referendum

Following the breakup of Yugoslavia, a referendum on Bosnia and Herzegovina's independence was held on March 1, 1992. Despite a boycott by the Bosnian Serbs, the referendum resulted in overwhelming support for independence from Yugoslavia, with nearly 99% of participants voting in favor. The referendum's outcome and subsequent international recognition of Bosnia and Herzegovina's sovereignty precipitated a declaration of independence on March 3, 1992, which eventually led to the outbreak of the Bosnian War.

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06april
1992
06 April 1992

Start of the Bosnian War

The Bosnian War began on April 6, 1992, following the breakup of Yugoslavia and the declaration of independence by Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was a complex conflict involving multiple factions, including Bosniaks, Serbs, and Croats, each with their own goals. The war resulted in a humanitarian crisis with widespread atrocities, including ethnic cleansing and genocide, particularly notable in the Srebrenica massacre. Sarajevo, the capital, was besieged for nearly four years, leading to significant civilian casualties and destruction.

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02mei
1992
02 May 1992

Siege of Sarajevo Begins

The siege of Sarajevo began on May 2, 1992, when Bosnian Serb forces encircled the city in an attempt to gain control. Lasting until February 29, 1996, it was the longest siege of a capital city in modern warfare. Despite the challenges, the citizens of Sarajevo displayed remarkable resilience, facing daily shelling and sniper attacks, severe shortages of food, water, and electricity. The siege resulted in significant civilian casualties and extensive damage, symbolizing the broader devastation of the Bosnian War.

11juli
1995
11 July 1995

Srebrenica Genocide

On July 11, 1995, during the Bosnian War, Bosnian Serb forces led by General Ratko Mladić entered the town of Srebrenica, which had been declared a safe area by the United Nations. Over the next few days, more than 8,000 Bosniak men and boys were systematically executed in what became known as the Srebrenica massacre, recognized as a genocide by international courts. The event stands as one of the darkest chapters of the conflict and highlighted the failure of international peacekeeping efforts at the time.

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21november
1995
21 November 1995

Dayton Accords Agree

The Dayton Accords, officially the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, were agreed upon on November 21, 1995, and formally signed on December 14, 1995. The negotiations took place at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, ending the Bosnian War. The accords established a complex political structure for Bosnia and Herzegovina, dividing the country into two entities and laying out provisions for power-sharing and democracy, alongside numerous challenges for post-war recovery and peace.

19februari
2003
19 February 2003

New Currency, the Convertible Mark, Introduced

On February 19, 2003, Bosnia and Herzegovina officially replaced the Bosnian dinar and Croatian kuna with the convertible mark (BAM) as its official currency, pegged to the Euro. The introduction of the convertible mark was a significant step in stabilizing the country's post-war economy, offering a unified monetary system across its entities. This economic reform aimed to facilitate domestic trade, attract foreign investment, and support economic growth and recovery in the region.

21juli
2008
21 July 2008

Capture of Radovan Karadžić

On July 21, 2008, Radovan Karadžić, the former Bosnian Serb leader charged with war crimes, was captured in Belgrade, Serbia. He had been a fugitive for more than a decade, evading capture by living under an assumed identity. Karadžić faced charges at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) for crimes against humanity, including his role in the Srebrenica massacre and the siege of Sarajevo. His capture marked a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for victims of the Bosnian War.

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Frequently asked questions about Bosnia and Herzegovina

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