The Boundaries of Revolution

The 1848 Revolution in Styria; Slovenes and the October Revolution in Vienna

Abstract

Based on general living conditions which worsened considerably during the last few months before the revolution, there were several outbursts of discontent which were linked to a specific »striving for rebellion.« It would be totally wrong, however, if they were viewed as a kind of an »avantgarde function« of locally limited events. With most of the buildings in Graz already displaying German flags, an increasing number of black and white flags with blue, white, and red (i.e. Slavonic) ribbons had been appearing since April. Those who agitated for a unified Germany viewed them as a »clear betrayal of the new homeland,« and severe disputes between nationalists on both sides occurred more than once. »Germans« viewed the Slavic majorization of Austria as a danger of possible alliance of Austrian Slavs with their »ethnic comrades« in Russia. In order to prevent this, Austria would need a »new Chinese wall of the German federal state.« German flags were supposedly displayed only due to a »hard-won freedom.« Contrary to this, Slovenes in Styria maintained that »we belong to the constitutional Austrian Empire, we wish for its sovereignty and integrity, as well as a heart-felt connection with Germany, to be acknowledged, but at the same time demand that the existence of our people be assured and taken into account...«