Robbing of the Jews for the Independent State of Croatia

The article explores the systematic expropriation of Jewish property in the Independent State of Croatia (Nezavisna Država Hrvatska, NDH), led by the Ustaša regime. Croatia's expropriations began rapidly and were legally reinforced through numerous decrees. Despite the NDH's intrinsic corruption, which meant that many Jewish assets were stolen by individuals, I focus on the actions of the most powerful actor: the state. Although hindered by many obstacles, the authorities of the NDH remained focused on the appropriation of Jewish property throughout its existence. This article examines these institutions—their evolution, and their efforts to increase efficiency in seizing and securing expropriated property for the state. The NDH's primary agencies, including the State Directorate for Renewal and the Office for Nationalised Property, orchestrated the confiscation and redistribution of assets, aiming to consolidate Jewish property into state ownership. Ante Barić, a key figure, drove efforts to streamline expropriations, overcoming obstacles and centralising assets under state control. By the end of this process, the NDH had stolen Jewish property worth at least 5.14 billion kuna and destroyed the economic foundations of Jewish life across the state.