The reconstruction of South-Eastern Europe

SOUTH-EASTERN EUROPE

63) against Frederick the Great. This fact shows clearly enough the value of the Serbo-Croats for the Hapsburg throne and dynasty.

Not only was Serbo-Croatian blood shed on the battle-fields of the Austrians in Europe, but the Viennese Court was very clever in exploiting the Serbs in its fight against internal foes.

The reforms of Joseph II, which aimed at the centralisation and germanisation of all lands included in Austria and Hungary, not only roused bitter opposition in Hungary, but awakened a strong feeling of nationality among the Magyars who in their turn tried to make of Hungary a State of one language and one nation only. The ill-fated Turkish campaign of 1790, which lingered on for some time, and the menace of Prussia, when King Friedrich Wilhelm II began to arm against Austria, greatly encouraged the Magyar opposition, in deference to which the reforms of Joseph II were abolished; but the Hungarian nobles demanded greater guarantees for the independence of Hungary and new privileges for themselves. As the national existence of the Serbians was threatened by exaggerated chauvinistic Magyar demands, the Serbs were greatly agitated and, incited by Vienna, were ready to fight against the Magyars. In order to bring pressure to bear upon the Magyars, the Vienna Cabinet opened negotiations with the Serbs concerning their national grievances. The old

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