The way to identity: the referendum in Völkermarkt 1920

The way to identity: the referendum in Völkermarkt 1920

Although October 10th is often overlooked, this day marks an important historical event in the region. The year 1920 in particular is of particular importance for the residents of Völkermarkt. On this day there was a referendum in the border area of southern Carinthia, in which the Slovenian -speaking population kept a large part of the total population. Here, 59.04 percent of the voters voted for the whereabouts of Austria.

The events that led to this referendum began after the First World War. In the fall of 1918, South Slavic troops occupied large parts of South Carinthia and the district capital of Völkermarkt. In the political negotiations in the spring of 1919, it was decided to prevent a referendum for the entire Klagenfurt pool. This happened against the background of a military push of the SHS state (state of Slovenia, Croatians and Serbs), which, however, met with strong resistance on the part of the Carinthian defensive fighters. The turning point came when Jugoslav's troops conquered Klagenfurt on June 6, 1919.

meaning of the peace treaty

With the peace treaty of Saint-Germain signed on September 10, 1919, a two-zone plbiscite was set. Völkermarkt and the surrounding areas were initially placed under the administration of the SHS state. Finally, the referendum was carried out on October 10, 1920.

The result of the vote in the Völkermarkt election district was crucial for the positive outcome of the Carinthian Plebiscitive for the Republic of Austria. The turnout was correspondingly high with over 83 percent of the votes for Austria. This result contributed significantly to further political development in the region.

The role of the district home museum

A remarkable district home museum has been housed in the city center of Völkermarkt since 1976. It offers its own large documentation room about the historical events around the Carinthian referendum between 1918 and 1920. This is not only a place of memory, but also a way for the residents and visitors to deal with their history.

In addition, this referendum developed a symbolic meaning for the city in 1920. It is seen as a kind of "second founding myth" that has created a strong identity loyalty to the state of Carinthia. At the same time, it promotes a critical examination of cultural and tourist aspects of the past.

Special attention should be paid to the traditional open house, which takes place on October 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Museum Völkermarkt. This event includes special tours that address the historical events from 1918 to 1920 and the period of the Austrian State Treaty of May 15, 1955. Current questions about the ethnic groups and the Carinthian local area dispute, which is almost mutually resolved in 2011, are also dealt with.

These events and the associated topics show how important this regional commemoration day is to understand the cultural and historical identity in the Völkermarkt. For more information and details about the history of the referendum on October 10, 1920 and its effects is a look at the article recommended.