The Centralist Faction was the political and military coalition that fought for and won the Kresimirian Unification War (1918-1921). Their victory led to the establishment of the Divine Republic of Kresimiria.
Ideology and Goals
The Centralist Faction’s primary objective was the creation of a unified, independent, and centralized Kresimirian state. Their vision was based on the principles of the Sanctian Church (which would become state-sponsored Kresimirianism) and harked back to the historical unity of the Kresimirian principalities under King Kresimir IV. Their base of operations was the city of Sinj.
Leadership
The faction was led by two main bodies:
- Politically: The Revolutionary People’s Council, a committee of six ideologues including Filip Novak and Kresimir Basic, who provided the political and religious justification for the war.
- Militarily: The Kresimirian Army, under the command of General Dominik Lončar, who provided the military force and strategic direction.
Role in the War
The Centralists quickly consolidated control over the northern and central Kresimirian heartlands. Their decisive victory came in the winter of 1920 at the Siege of Ravna Skrad, which broke the main army of their opponent, the Eastern Pravoslavic Confederacy. They successfully repelled a late intervention from Boskenmark and secured all disputed territories by May 1921, leading to the creation of the Republic.