A Glimpse Into The History of Slovenia

Deriving its genesis from the Illyrian and Celtic lineage, the rich history of Slovenia reflects diverse influences owing to its strategic location at the crossroads of Central Europe – intermitting military and commercial routes.

Slovenian territories became a part of the Roman Empire in the first century B.C and prospered under them. Since the Middle Ages Slovenia was a part of Austro-Hungarian Empire, it got recognition as a state in 611 AD and recorded as the first democracy of Europe - Duchy of Carantania in 7th century.   

Slovenia history has been witness to major conflicts throughout– Turkish invasions and battles, peasants’ revolts, the two Great Wars.

In the 20th century, it formed the Kingdom of Croats, Serbs and Slovenes, which was renamed as the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in 1929, between the World Wars. Slovenia continued as the SFR of Yugoslavia from 1945, until it won independence as Republic of Slovenia in 1991.

The Origins

Essentially the history of Slovenia began in 6th century A.D, when a south Slavic group settled in the Slovene region. The Slavs constituted the state of Samu during the 7th century, owing their loyalty to Avars dominating the Hungarian plain.

According to the Slovenia history, in 1526, the Turks defeated the Hungarians. In order to abstain from the Turkish domination they accepted the Austrian Habsburg rule. The Habsburg monarchy unified the Slovene regions to bring them under one rule. Eventually, Slovenia became a part of Austro-Hungarian kingdom during the dual monarchy in 1867.

History of Slovenia took a new turn during World War I, which saw the collapse of Austria-Hungary.A new kingdom of the Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes was born on December 4, 1918, which was named as Yugoslavia.

In World War II, Yugoslavia was occupied by Germany. After the defeat of Axis powers in 1945, Slovenia regained its republic status under the newly formed Communist state of Yugoslavia.  

    

Slovenia's Independence

During the 1980’s Slovenia witnessed an upsurge for greater autonomy – threatening to secede, and finally gained independence on June 25, 1991. This was followed by brief clashes with Serbian-dominated Yugoslavian army. However, the army soon withdrew its forces.  

In 1992, Slovenia gained the recognition of an independent state from European Community, on 22 May the same year it joined the United Nations. The country has since been realigning its society and economy towards Western Europe. In 2004, the country became member of European Union and NATO.

On 1 January 2007 Slovenia also became a member of the Eurozone.

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