Q2 1903; PRAGUE
-- Ethnic Germans living in the Austrian province of Bohemia have made vocal their complaints about their situation
in the aftermath of the regional legislatures created by Emperor Franz Ferdinand.
The Germans of Bohemia are concentrated on the outer borders of the region and in the large central cities of Brunn, Iglau and Zwittau.
These Germans find themselves at a distinct disadvantage in the regional parliament, as Czechs comprise two-thirds of Bohemia's population, compared 30 percent for the Germans. Whereas before the legislatures they were heavily favoured by the Imperial Government, they claim that the new system places their way of life under constant siege from Czech politicians who wish to force their schools to teach the Czech language. The provincial government has levied higher taxes against German-owned breweries, essentially given Czech craftsmen in Plzen an advantage over the German brewers in Budweis.
The Bohemian Germans have petitioned Kaiser Wilhelm II to intervene on their behalf diplomatically, so that they may be restored to a position of power over the Czechs.
The Germans of Bohemia are concentrated on the outer borders of the region and in the large central cities of Brunn, Iglau and Zwittau.
These Germans find themselves at a distinct disadvantage in the regional parliament, as Czechs comprise two-thirds of Bohemia's population, compared 30 percent for the Germans. Whereas before the legislatures they were heavily favoured by the Imperial Government, they claim that the new system places their way of life under constant siege from Czech politicians who wish to force their schools to teach the Czech language. The provincial government has levied higher taxes against German-owned breweries, essentially given Czech craftsmen in Plzen an advantage over the German brewers in Budweis.
The Bohemian Germans have petitioned Kaiser Wilhelm II to intervene on their behalf diplomatically, so that they may be restored to a position of power over the Czechs.



