The confrontations were the product of a centuries-long struggle for the control of the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea between South Slavs and Italians.

[1] In the city of Split there was an autochthonous Italian community, which was reorganized in November 1918 through the foundation of the "National Fasces" (not related to fascism) led by Leonardo Pezzoli, Antonio Tacconi, Edoardo Pervan and Stefano Selem, former members of the Autonomist Party, which had been dissolved by the Austrian authorities in 1915.

[3] United States-Yugoslavian-Italian victory After the Austrian defeat, in the first half of November 1918 Italian troops unilaterally occupied territories of Austria-Hungary promised to Italy by the secret 1915 Pact of London.

As a consequence armed nationalist irregulars commanded by Dalmatian Italian Count Fanfogna proceeded further south to Split's neighbouring city of Trogir and organized a similar occupation, quickly nipped by the Allies.

This led to civil unrest and conflict between the city's pro-Italian minority and anti-Italian majority, as well as forceful removal of the flags by a gathered crowd.

Friction arose in the course of distribution of food and travel documents from Italian cruiser Puglia as only the non-Italian population encountered (real or perceived) difficulties.

[10] News of the Italian blocking distribution of food in Dalmatia to those who would not sign a declaration of loyalty to Italy, along with arbitrary arrests and deportations, reached US President Woodrow Wilson.

This prompted US Rear Admiral Albert Parker Niblack to declare a ban on public gatherings, singing of patriotic songs and flag waving.

The incident was investigated by an interallied commission which concluded that the Italians were responsible for the conflict and that the arrests were illegal on 18 March.

Accounts diverge about the cause of these clashes: according to Croat sources, they were triggered by the removal of a Yugoslav flag by two officers from Puglia.

The incident occurred in Ivanko Shipyard where a crowd had gathered to celebrate the birthday of Peter I, the king of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes.

[12] A group of officers of Puglia found refuge in a place near the docks: captain Gulli ordered a boat under the command of lieutenant Gallo to rescue them, but it was blocked by the crowd.

In response US commanding officer in Split, Rear Admiral Philip Andrews briefly prohibited public events.