3.2. Local Economy and Trade
Agriculture Commerece Industry Public Service The Structure of the Workforce in the Kingdom of Yugoslavia 1 dot = 100 workers Data source: census, 1931; Milos Popovic
Fig. 8
Drawing: Author
3.2.1. Macro Context
Before the Second World War, the Kingdom of Yugoslavia was a predominantly agricultural country, while industrial centers were located in the capitals, as well as important cultural and historical centers. The poor and relatively underdeveloped country, on whose soil several major wars took place in a short period of time, did not offer too many opportunities for more significant development of the economy of local communities. In one such situation, people were engaged in animal husbandry and agriculture, while trade was mainly conducted with the aim of providing basic foodstuffs. Constant political turmoil, as well as an uncertain future, created a monotonous economic picture, as well as the great dissatisfaction of the people who demanded better living conditions. Although composed of six states, the Kingdom of Yugoslavia was very poorly connected in terms of infrastructure, as evidenced by the fact that in certain cities highways were constructed only after the end of World War II. 18
