The history of education in Mežiška Dolina (River Meža valley) to the year 1918

Abstract

In the contribution, the history of education in Mežiška dolina is presented from its beginnings at the end of the 17^th century to the downfall of Austria-Hungary in 1918. Schools, their origin and development are represented as they follow along the river Meža, from Koprivna through Črna to Mežica and further to Prevalje and Guštanj. Also presented are schools founded high above the valley in the mountainous world between Peca, Uršlja and Strojna hills, as pupils could not attend schools in the plains because of remoteness. In some cases difficulties occurred in overcoming differences deriving from social, national and territorial basis. The question most exposed in the contribution is the question of teaching language.