Category: 1.01 Original scientific paper
Language: Original in Slovene (Abstract in Slovene and English, Summary in English)
Key words: Yugoslav Club, Emperor Charles I, May declaration, Anton Korošec, Anton Bonaventura Jeglič, Ljubljana statement, National Council for Slovenia and Istria
Abstract: Before the First World War, Slovenians were regarded as the most loyal followers of the Habsburg dynasty, but they opposed the dualistic organizational structure of the Monarchy. The realization of their national goals was long sought after within the framework of the Habsburg Monarchy, but it was a while before a turnaround happened in favor of the Yugoslavs. Even the May Declaration, which was read by the chairman of the Yugoslav Club Anton Korošec in the National Assembly on May 30, 1917, aimed at the Yugoslav state under the rule of the Habsburg dynasty. The heir apparent Franz Ferdinand planed for constitutional changes in favor of Southern Slavs, and after he was assassinated the new Emperor Charles I. also sought changes in these directions. These were opposed energetically by the Hungarians and German nationalists. The new emperor did not have strong support in Vienna, and he lost all of it after the Sixtus affair. The consequence of this was that he lacked the necessary support for constitutional changes or solving of the Yugoslav question.