After the Peace Conference

In late November 1918, during the Paris Peace Conference, representatives from various nations gathered to negotiate the terms of peace following World War I. Among them were delegates from the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (SHS), including Dr. Josip Mačkovšek, who played a key role in advocating for territorial claims. The conference was marked by intense discussions over the future of the Balkans, with particular focus on the fate of ethnic groups and borders. The outcome would shape the political landscape of the region for decades. The conference took place against a backdrop of profound change. The First World War had left Europe devastated, and the collapse of several empires created opportunities for new nation-states to emerge. For the peoples of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire, especially Slovenes, the war had been both a struggle for independence and a catalyst for national awakening. The ideas of Kornelija Ajlec, a prominent intellectual, influenced the views of the negotiators in Paris and the broader Slovenian populace. According to historical accounts, these ideas stirred nationalist sentiments, particularly among the population in the Istrian Peninsula, which had been annexed by Italy after the Treaty of Rapallo in 1915. As a result, approximately 100,000 Slovenes were displaced, with many migrating to central Slovenia and other parts of Yugoslavia. The capital of this newly formed state shifted from Vienna to Belgrade, a relatively small city at the time. Dr. Josip Mačkovšek, one of the more vocal advocates for the interests of the Kingdom of SHS, worked tirelessly to secure territorial concessions. His efforts were documented in political career analyses, highlighting his commitment to the cause. However, not all members of the delegation shared his enthusiasm. Some, such as Štefan Mačkovšek, expressed frustration with the perceived passivity of certain figures, notably Jeglič. He criticized the lack of decisive action in securing borders, suggesting that the bishop should have gone to London instead of remaining in Zagreb. Despite these tensions, the delegation managed to maintain cohesion, with Tanović organizing logistical support and local media coverage in London. Beyond the political negotiations, Mačkovšek's experience in Paris offered insight into daily life in the French capital. He described the efficiency of the Métro system, noting its high cost, equivalent to around three crowns per franc, and comparing it to prices in London. He also praised the quality of food available in their hotel, emphasizing how even minor aspects of life contributed to a sense of well-being. His linguistic skills improved significantly through courses at Berlitz, which he attended alongside colleagues Čok and Rybář. During his stay, Mačkovšek visited an early spring exhibition featuring works by Yugoslav artists, including the sculptures of Ivan Meštrović. The exhibit, held before its official opening, left him deeply impressed. He noted the presence of Ante Trumbić, the foreign minister of the Kingdom of SHS, who had previously served as a diplomat in Dalmatia and led the Yugoslav delegation. In addition to cultural experiences, Mačkovšek attended performances at the opera, where he witnessed the grandeur of Aïdo and observed differences in audience behavior compared to other theaters. After nearly seven months abroad, Mačkovšek longed to return home. During this period, personal tragedies unfolded: his mother died in Ljubljana, his father passed away, and a daughter was born. Additionally, his brother, who had been imprisoned in Russia, returned after five years of absence. Upon his return, he faced administrative challenges, needing to adjust his official status at the Ljubljana Magistrate, where he remained a trainee with a monthly salary of just 125 crowns. Colleague Čok sought assistance from Vodopivc to arrange for Mačkovšek’s return to Slovenia as a courier, thereby covering travel expenses. Despite the diplomatic efforts, Mačkovšek was dissatisfied with the outcomes of the negotiations. In 1921, he addressed an academic audience at the University of Ljubljana, expressing gratitude for the victory that had enabled the creation of Yugoslavia. He emphasized that the Adriatic coast had become a sacrifice of the Antante’s triumph, yet the Slovenian people must remain grateful for their liberation. He called upon academics to dedicate their work to the unresolved issues facing fellow Slovenes in neighboring states. This message became a recurring theme in his lectures, shaping his perspective on the position of the Slovene minority in surrounding countries. He believed that World War II could offer another opportunity to realize the aspirations of the Slovene people.