North Macedonia: History

Following the end of the Ottoman Empire Rule, Macedonia is partitioned between modern-day Serbia, Bulgaria, and Greece.

Macedonia is occupied by Bulgaria during World War I.

Following the end of World War I, Macedonia becomes a part of Serbia, which joins The Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes. 

The Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes is renamed the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.

Nazi Germany invades Yugoslavia during World War II. Upon the defeat of the Nazi's. the Yugoslav socialist federation is established. 

Macedonia becomes one of the republics of the new Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The other republics include Serbia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Croatia, and Bosnia. 

Macedonia declares themselves independence following a voter referendum. Greece refuses to recognize the nation, as it objects to the name Macedonia, which is the name of one of its own provinces. 

Greece imposes trade restrictions on Macedonia as a part of the naming dispute. 

Greece recognizes Macedonia's independence and lifts the trade restrictions. 

Macedonia becomes a candidate for European Union membership.

Macedonia officially changes its name to "North Macedonia."

North Macedonia signs an accession protocol to become a member state of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).