Vladimir Macek , 1879-1964, Croatian political leader. He headed the Croatian Peasant party from 1928. A vigorous opponent of the dictatorship of King Alexander of Yugoslavia, he fought for Croatian autonomy and was imprisoned several times. After Alexander's death, Macek was granted amnesty, and largely through his negotiations with Prince Paul, regent for King Peter II, Croatia obtained (1939) substantial autonomy within Yugoslavia. Macek entered (1939) the Yugoslav government as vice premier. After the occupation (1941) of Yugoslavia by the Axis forces, he was under close surveillance.... Read more