Troubled Italian-Croatian-German Partnership: Italian Occupation of the Third Zone and Ustasha Violence Against the Serbs in 1941

This paper analyses the causes and progression of Italian occupation of the Third Zone of the Independent State of Croatia (NDH). The occupation, which has evoked conflicting historical interpretations, deserves a thorough examination as it significantly impacted Croatian-Italian and German-Italian relations. Additionally, the sources generated within the context of this episode shed light on significant internal processes within the NDH, including violence against the Serbs. The paper argues that the Serb uprising posed challenges for the German authorities, who sought to leverage Italian forces and consequently prompted the Italian occupation of the Third Zone. Furthermore, the occupation of the Third Zone illustrates how violence against the Serbs tarnished Pavelić’s reputation among his allies and certain circles of the Croatian populace. Moreover, the violence undermined Croatian interests and independence, providing the Italians with reasonable justifications for further occupations. The research draws on Italian, Serbian, Croatian, German, and French sources and historiography.