PROBLEMI U NASELJAVANJU I PRILAGOĐAVANJU KOLONISTA NA ŽIVOT U VOJVODINI U PRVIM GODINAMA POSLE DRUGOG SVETSKOG RATA

Abstract

The Decision to Confiscate German-Owned Property (1944), the Law on Agrarian Reform and Colonization (August 1945) and the Decree on the Implementation of Veterans’ Settlement (1945) provided a legal framework for the colonization of Vojvodina. People from the outback regions applied for colonization in large numbers since it was believed that migration guaranteed deliverance from decades of dearth and poverty. The journey of the colonists was fraught with numerous difficulties, primarily due to poor organization and frequent changes of plans. The distribution of houses, cattle, and inventory was done by local commissions. The bias of these commissions was obvious. Thus, the division of houses and inventory was accompanied by great social injustices. Some families were housed in buildings with electrical installations, while others had to settle into houses without floors. Such actions caused indignation and revolt among the colonists. Dissatisfied with their new life, as many as 4,000 families decided to return. Those who remained needed time to adapt to the new way of life. With time, big families disintegrated, the position of women improved, new work habits were developed, and neighborly relations became better.