Karl Maria Coudenhove and Erich von Kielmansegg. Two Governors at the End of the 19th Century and Beginning of the 20th Century
Abstract
At the political and social turmoil of the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, two governors showed admirable resilience during their rule. Erich von Kielmansegg, governor of Lower Austria, occupied the office for 23 years, while Karl Maria Coudenhove's rule at the Czech governorship lasted 15 years.
Both governors were very important figures in their land's administration. Yet, Erich von Kielmansegg is considered to be one of the most successful governors, whereas Karl Maria Coudenhove's administration was taken as a failure both by the members of the state administration and later by historiographers.
The perceived success or, on the contrary, failure of the tenure was a result of the entangled aspects of the rule - for instance, urbanization, relationship with the local governments, ability to communicate with different opinion groups within the lands, negotiation skills when talking with other members of the state administration, as well as capability/competencies to create a positive public image. , The official mandate and the power attached to it played a significant role, but even more crucial were governors' personal agency and abilities, shaping how this power was exercised. In the paper, we analyze the personal choices and decision-making of both governors and how they influenced the administration of their offices. How and when did Karl Maria Coudenhove and Erich von Kielmansegg step over their formal power of the governors to influence the affairs in Bohemia and Lower Austria? The impact of such personal choices and strategies is demonstrated by studying the relationships of the governors with the capitals of their lands (Prague and Vienna).
Thus, we examine the multiple connections between the governors and the cities, such as 1) the relationships between the governors and the mayors, 2) governors' influences and initiatives on the urban changes (for example, urbanization, sanitation), and 3) governors' roles and reactions to growing mass movements (that resulted in demonstrations and riots). At the same time, it is necessary to study negotiation strategies with the state authorities, such as the Minister of Interior (very often occupied by the Prime Minister) or Police Directors in the capital cities. This way, we will be able to observe not only the personal influence of the governors when in command but also the limits of their power in the bureaucratic hierarchy. Thus, our research does not aim to contribute purely to the history of administration, nor will it present a collective biography of the two governors, but to a certain extent incorporates both.
Rather, we will analyze the intersection between official and personal affairs of the governors, researching how the office was exercised without being limited by the normative documents