Abstract
This fine monograph presents Emperor Franz Joseph as a central factor in reinforcing the importance of the monarchy in the last half century of the Habsburg empire, especially as nationalism and other factors seemed to weaken the state and finally render it obsolete by 1918. Arguing against the A. J. P. Taylor view that the dissolution of Austria-Hungary was inevitable, Daniel L. Unowsky focuses instead on the relationship between Vienna and its many provinces, between monarchical ritual and nationalist fervor, between claims for tradition and claims for liberal modernization that shaped imperial celebrations during this period, without an eye on the end of the monarchy. The book has an ambitious span of sixty years and touches on events from Vienna to Cracow and Lviv. The author begins by examining the attempts of the emperor after 1848 to link his authority to and claim popularity on the basis of Catholic traditions and ritual. Moving from Vienna to the province of Galicia, Unowsky then follows the imperial attempts to secure the same stable image of the monarchy as carrier of tradition and strength. The avenues for analyzing the path of imperial pomp in the provinces are the visits (some aborted) of the emperor to Galicia in 1851, 1868, 1880, and 1894. Finally, the author looks closely at the successes and failures of Franz Joseph's 1898 jubilee in reinforcing the values and image of the monarch as a legitimate binding force of the entire empire.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
