Political Orientation of the Celje Germans 1861-1907

(Drugi del)

Abstract

The author shows on basis of German sources the genesis of political orientation of the pro-German population of Celje from the eighteen-sixties to 1907 paying special attention to events causing alterations. Thus he concludes that in eighteen-sixties and seveties the Celje pro-Germans are firmly liberal and in national sense essentialy less aggressive towards the Slovenes than the German-oriented population in Ljubljana, although after the German victory at Sedan the German nationalistic viewpoints in Celje strengthen. Changes come with the parliamentary elections in 1379, especially with Taaffe's government and with strike to the German party in Carniola when the German nationalistic potencies in Celje grow and in mid 1881 (before the foundation of the United Left) finali prevail. Up to mid nineties the pro-Germans in Celje are strictly German-national oriented but — diferent from Schonerer — strive for Austria on German basis, for economic and social reforms to the benefit of the middle-class and for unified action of progressive and liberal parties on national basis. Owing to advancement of Slovenes among the pro-Germans in Celje the notion of threat grows from the end of eighties and leads to more radical stands (Germanhood, anti-Semitism) which in the mentioned period not yet prevail. The unfavourable solution of the grammar-school problem enables the penetration of new elements into political orientation of the pro-Germans in Celje. The change performs in extreme radicalism, Germanhood and Los von Rom movement, anti-Semitism and stressing the superiority of the German race. In the decade before World War I there is in the Deutsche Wacht a lot of spirit we later find in nacism.