The topoc of this pape ris the chronological course of the Battle of Vukovar and its significance in the creation of an independent and democratic Republic of Croatia. The position of Vukovar and its population composition according to the 1991 pre – war population census are described right after the topic introduction. Further are narrated the events prior the battle: aspiration for independence, democratic changes, multy – party elections, riots, the massacre in Borovo Selo. The main part of the paper is the course of the battle according to its phases: phase 1. 25. 8. – 15. 9., phase 2. 16. – 17. 10., phase 3. 18. 10. – 20. 11. Following the description of the surrender of the last defenders in the citiy is the description of the most significant buildings in the citiy – the hopsital, and Borovo Commerce – as well as the role of media during the battle. This paper also tells the fate of the captives taken to Ovčara who were either shot or taken to camps all over Serbia. The end concludes the importance of the Battle of Vukovar in creating the state of Croatia.