Društvena struktura Horvatsko-vugerske stranke
The Social Structure Of Horvatsko-Vugerska Stranka (Croatian-Hungarian Party)

Summary/Abstract: Horvatsko-vugerska stranka (Croatian-Hungarian Party) was founded in 1841 and included members from various social layers: aristocracy, petty nobility, citizenry, several prelates and members of minor clergy, as well as a large group of persons belonging to a special social group: high-ranking military functionaries. Nevertheless, the party’s membership consisted mostly of nobility, especially petty noblemen from Turopolje. Because of the party’s social structure, Croatian historiography has so far viewed it in a rather negative light, as conservative and struggling to preserve the feudal political and social relations, including the noble privileges. This article uses documentary sources in order to show that the membership of Horvatsko-vugerska stranka was very heterogeneous as to its social structure, which leads to certain conclusions and also raises new questions on the reasons that the particular social groups may have had for joining the party. The author has proposed some new guidelines for further research on this political party, especially in the light of its links to the Hungarian liberals.

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