Nikola Vasic

Nikola Vasic (1876-1940) was a Vistanian General and former President of Vistania.

Early Life
Vasic was born on a farm near Koprenice. He lived in poverty throughout his childhood. He joined the army in 1895, and rose through the ranks. In 1913, he was promoted to the rank of Colonel.

World War I
During World War I, he was one of the main supporters for fighting for the Triple Alliance. But, King Goran II only allowed material support and use of its ports. In 1915, Vasic planned to organize a volunteer force to fight with the Austrians. This did not sit well with king Goran II, and he had Vasic imprisoned for "disobedience of the law". In 1918, King Goran died and Milan IV became king.

Rise to Power
King Milan pardoned Vasic and made him a General. Vasic organized troops to fight in the Turkish War of Independence in the early 1920s, and was awarded by the king for his actions, which restored national confidence. When the British left Vistania in 1926, Vasic was made the Minister of War. By the late 1920s, it became clear Vasic had the intentions of running for president. In the greatly contested Elections of 1930, Vasic became the president.

Vasic in Power
Vasic quickly set forth new policies, which some consider to be Fascist. In 1931, he abolished al political parties and made himself president for life. He awarded himself all the military medals. He allied Vistania with Nazi Germany and Italy in the late 1930s. King Milan and the traditionalists grew worried of Vasic's ideals. Parliament tried to reduce his powers, but he dissolved it instead. He grew very powerful,and gained many enemies in Vistania. In 1940, war had already started in Europe. Vasic was preparing to send soldiers to fight, but before he could do so, he was shot and killed by a monarchist dissident