FT

Franjo Tudjman

13quotes

Franjo Tudjman


#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Franjo Tudjman was born on May 14, 1922, in Velika Gorica, Kingdom of Yugoslavia (now Croatia). He is often referred to as F. Tudjman or simply Tudjman.

Birth and Death Dates


May 14, 1922 – December 10, 1999

Nationality and Profession(s)


Croatian national; politician, statesman, historian, and military leader.

Early Life and Background


Franjo Tudjman grew up in a middle-class family. His father was a schoolteacher, and his mother managed the household. Tudjman's early life was marked by a strong interest in history and politics. He attended elementary school in Velika Gorica and later enrolled at the University of Zagreb to study law. However, he dropped out due to financial constraints and instead joined the Yugoslav Partisans during World War II.

Major Accomplishments


Tudjman played a significant role in the Croatian struggle for independence from Yugoslavia. He was one of the founding members of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) in 1989 and later became its first president. In May 1990, Tudjman led Croatia to independence through a national referendum. As the country's first democratically elected president, he served two terms until his death in 1999.

Notable Works or Actions


Tudjman wrote several books on Croatian history and was particularly interested in the medieval Kingdom of Croatia. Some notable works include _Nacionalizam i demokracija_ (Nationalism and Democracy) and _Opasni susedi_ (Dangerous Neighbors). He also played a key role in negotiating the Dayton Peace Accords, which ended the Bosnian War in 1995.

Impact and Legacy


Franjo Tudjman's presidency had a profound impact on Croatia. Under his leadership, the country transitioned from a socialist republic to an independent nation-state. While his policies were often criticized for their nationalist tone and authoritarian tendencies, he remains a significant figure in Croatian history. His commitment to preserving national identity and promoting democracy helped shape the country's post-independence trajectory.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Tudjman is widely quoted and remembered for his views on nationalism, European integration, and Croatia's place within the region. He was an influential figure in shaping Croatian foreign policy and advocated for closer ties with Western Europe. His legacy remains contentious due to criticisms of human rights abuses during his presidency. Nonetheless, Tudjman's contributions to Croatia's independence and national identity continue to be debated by scholars and policymakers today.

Franjo Tudjman's life and work offer valuable insights into the complexities of Croatian history and politics. His influence extends beyond the realm of domestic politics to international relations and European integration. As a thought leader in his time, he remains an important figure for those interested in understanding the nuances of post-war Europe and the ongoing challenges faced by nations seeking independence and sovereignty.

Quotes by Franjo Tudjman

Your magnificent success is a great boon for the country's image in the eyes of the world,
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Your magnificent success is a great boon for the country's image in the eyes of the world,
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#boon
Thank god my wife is neither a Serb nor a Jew.
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Thank god my wife is neither a Serb nor a Jew.
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#god
The West wanted to avoid an Islamic state in Europe.
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The West wanted to avoid an Islamic state in Europe.
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#avoid
I joined the anti-Fascist struggle with my best friend, who was a Jew.
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I joined the anti-Fascist struggle with my best friend, who was a Jew.
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#best
Whatever happened after the liberation of Krajina, this was in no way a violation of human rights by Croatian authorities.
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Whatever happened after the liberation of Krajina, this was in no way a violation of human rights by Croatian authorities.
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#happened
The Muslims wanted to reign over the whole of Mostar, then gain ground to the sea and finally create an Islamic state. That is what our Croatians defend themselves against.
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The Muslims wanted to reign over the whole of Mostar, then gain ground to the sea and finally create an Islamic state. That is what our Croatians defend themselves against.
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#defend
I haven't mentioned another argument, The Hague tribunal. It is clear our generals and all of you who are sitting here now with me could end up there, too.
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I haven't mentioned another argument, The Hague tribunal. It is clear our generals and all of you who are sitting here now with me could end up there, too.
FT
Then, as if that's not enough, then they declare that my wife is Jewish or Serbian. Luckily for me, she never was either, although many wives are. And so on and so forth spreading lies.
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Then, as if that's not enough, then they declare that my wife is Jewish or Serbian. Luckily for me, she never was either, although many wives are. And so on and so forth spreading lies.
FT
#although
You should give no indication that we wish the three-way division of Bosnia.
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You should give no indication that we wish the three-way division of Bosnia.
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#indication
Let's make a deal with the Serbs. Neither history nor emotion in the Balkans will permit multinationalism. We have to give up on the illusion of the last eight years... Dayton isn't working. Nobody - except diplomats and petty officials - believes in a sovereign Bosnia and the Dayton accords.
"
Let's make a deal with the Serbs. Neither history nor emotion in the Balkans will permit multinationalism. We have to give up on the illusion of the last eight years... Dayton isn't working. Nobody - except diplomats and petty officials - believes in a sovereign Bosnia and the Dayton accords.
FT
#balkans
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