The Treatment of Croatians in Austria-Hungary: A Historical Overview

Austria-Hungary was a multinational empire that spanned over several centuries, and during this period, the relationship between Croatians and the empire was marked by a complex interplay of cooperation, conflict, and changes in policy. This article explores the treatment of Croatians within the multi-ethnic framework of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, focusing on historical events and individual accounts.

Coexistence and Collaboration

For several centuries, Croatians and Hungarians lived in relative harmony. The Zrinyi brothers exemplify this friendship. One brother, Bata, was a military statesman and poet who wrote in Hungarian, while his brother Petar kept the Croatian language. However, political tensions emerged as Croatian leaders like Jelacic took opposite stances, supporting the Habsburg dynasty while fighting against Hungarian interests.

Political Oppression and Incidents

While instances of political oppression were not frequent, they did occur. One notable incident was the "Conspiracy of Zrinski and Frankopan" in the 16th century. Two prominent Croatian nobles, Zrinski and Frankopan, were accused of plotting against the empire and were tried in Vienna. They spent about six months in jail before being convicted of treason. Their fate was dire, as they were subsequently executed. Despite the severity of the charges, this event is still remembered in folk tales and romanticized in the letters they wrote to their families while imprisoned.

Challenges for Students

Despite political tensions, the environment for education was generally open and inclusive. Many prominent Croatians studied in various universities across the empire. For instance, Nikola Tesla, the renowned inventor, studied in Graz before immigrating to the United States. This tradition continued even after World War I, as one of my university teachers studied mechanics in Graz.

Student Protests and Police Interventions

A notable incident occurred in the early 20th century, specifically in 1911. Civil commotions and student protests erupted in Vienna, resulting in a brutal intervention by the police. My father’s oldest brother, for instance, was one of the students arrested and jailed. He was subsequently subjected to severe beatings. In jail, he contracted tuberculosis, which tragically led to his death a few months later, as no effective cure for the disease was available at the time.

Conclusion

While the overall atmosphere in the Austro-Hungarian Empire was characterized by coexistence and education opportunities, there were instances of political repression and violence, particularly during times of conflict. The treatment of Croatians in the empire was thus a mix of cooperation and struggle, with individual stories reflecting the broader historical context.