Die Protokolle des österreichischen Ministerrates 1848‒1867. Abteilung II: Das Ministerium Schwarzenberg, Band 5

Volume II/5, Cabinet Schwarzenberg, of the edition „Die Protokolle des österreichischen Ministerrates 1848-1867 (The Protocols of the Austrian Cabinet 1848-1867)“ comprises 139 records from June 4th, 1851, to April 5th, 1852, plus footnotes concerning textual criticism, a thorough scientific commentary as well as an introduction, a bibliography and a detailed index of names, places, subject. Three protocols of the committee set up to revise the constitution complete this volume. It documents the last phase of the first constitutional era in the Habsburg monarchy. In the ordinances of August 20th, 1851, ministerial responsibility was defined as existing towards the Emperor only and order was given to revise the constitution. With the decrees of December 31st, 1851, the so-called “Silvesterpatent”, the constitution itself was repealed. The separation of powers was annulled, Austria was again governed by an absolute regime. Yet, the wheel of time was not turned back completely. Parallel to the development already mentioned, reforms in the fields of administration, justice, economics, and of welfare, which had already begun, were continued, albeit according the “Principles” [Grundsätze] established on December 31st. First of all the public administration was reorganized, that is to say new districts were created and the sphere of activity of the provincial governors redrafted. The code of criminal procedure was revised. Among others, “Aviticitas”, rules of clan inheritance, which prevented free trade in land in Hungary, was abolished, a new customs tariff, new forest laws and a more liberal patent act were being prepared. The neoabsolutist recast was in full swing, when Felix Prince Schwarzenberg suddenly died from a stroke on April 5th, 1852. The death of Francis Joseph’s first Prime Minister did not only stand for the end of a cabinet, but for the (temporary) end of the Council of Ministers as a decisive power factor. This volume brings together important documents scientifically edited and places them at the disposal of scientists interested in Austrian history as well as for university teaching, and it is an important source for the history of Austria and its neighbours.