Wizerunek cesarza Franciszka Józefa I na łamach „Czasu” i „Naprzodu” (1900–1916)

Abstract

At the beginning of the 20th century, Austro-Hungarian emperor Franz Joseph I was one of the protagonists of the European political stage. He liked to emphasize that he was the person shaping the country's policy, especially in foreign affairs. The press of that period devoted much attention to him, as people were interested in the life of their ruler and the imperial court. Cracow's conservative journal “Czas” included detailed information on the activities of the emperor including legal acts he signed, his meetings with ministers, ambassadors and other European rulers as well as his participation in national and family events. “Czas” also published information on the emperor's travels and health.On the other hand, the Socialist-Democrat periodical “Naprzód” (a journal since 1900) did not include much information on the life and activities of the emperor. While “Czas” enumerated instances of the emperor's goodness and benevolence, “Naprzód” delicately – due to censorship – described the opponents of the Habsburg monarchy and dynasty, as well as the difficulties caused to ordinary people by the emperor's journeys through various provinces of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Both newspapers informed of the emperor's demise on 21 November 1916 with equal regret and words of respect towards the late monarch.