How Littoral Slovenians Viewed the Idea of a South Slavic Unit in the Habsburg Monarchy

The article presents the idea of a third unit in Habsburg Monarchy prior to World War I as seen through eyes Slovenian liberals. author broader political context which concept emerged and then analyses reactions various groups amid national tensions Balkans. Extracts two liberal newspapers, Edinost (Trieste) Soča (Gorizia), are examined with respect key geopolitical dilemmas interests different stakeholders affected by new construct. It is argued that trialism was chiefly an attempt Austria curtail power Hungary. majority Slovenians Croatians initially supported because it implied their emancipation. On other side were Hungarians, Italians Serbs who saw threat interests. In terms South Slavic relations, represented battlefield for Catholic Orthodox visions Yugoslavism. With further development concept, first foremost due Austria's ambitions satisfy leave Trieste Gorizia outside imagined unit, introduced tension into Croatian–Slovenian relations led fresh dispute sphere between liberals conservatives. Finally, advocates unable gain sufficient internal support within Monarchy, thereby preserved status quo dual regime until monarchy's collapse during war.