Sometimes called the "Red Terror", a period in Yugoslavia (1941–42) during World War II
Radical CPY policies in 1941–42 caused mass executions and village burnings, driving many Montenegrins and Herzegovinians into Chetnik ranks.
Key Facts
- Period
- 1941–1942
- Primary regions affected
- Montenegro, Herzegovina, Serbia
- Also affected
- Croatia and Slovenia (lesser extent)
- CPY internal term
- Leftist errors (leva skretanja)
- External term
- Red Terror (Crveni Teror)
- CPY response
- Condemned actions; punished several local commanders
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During World War II, self-described left-wing elements within the Communist Party of Yugoslavia and partisan units acted on fears of a 'fifth column' and class conflict motivations, leading to radical and violent policies against civilian populations in Montenegro, Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia.
From 1941 to 1942, CPY-aligned partisans carried out mass executions, burned villages, and confiscated property across several Yugoslav territories. The Communist Party of Yugoslavia internally labeled these actions 'leftist errors,' while outside observers termed them the Red Terror.
The violence alienated many villagers, prompting mass defections to Chetnik forces in Montenegro and eastern Herzegovina. The CPY formally condemned the actions and punished several local commanders responsible for the excesses.