This attempt to conciliate the Bohemian Czechs caused massive criticism, and led to the fall of the Hohenwart government only months after it assumed office.

[5] His political beliefs revolved around the view that Federalism and conciliation of Slavs was the only way to preserve the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Furthermore, Hohenwart believed in dealing only with leading nobles and other members at the top of the social order.

Emperor Francis Joseph turned against the Liberals who held the Premiership at the time because they were too enthusiastic for Prussia and its victory.

[13] Hohenwart dissolved the diets because he had enough influence on big Estate owners to secure the election of federalist Conservatives.

[14] With the dissolving of Parliament and the solidifying of political support, the stage was set for the development of a Federalist agreement.

After dissolving the diets, the Hohenwart ministry went to work on negotiating an agreement with Bohemian leaders.

[16] The strongest criticisms came from Foreign Minister Beust and Magyar leader Julius Andrassy.

Beust told Emperor Francis Joseph that Federalism would incite German opposition in Austria and might even lead to Prussian intervention.

[21] Andrassy voiced concerns over the technicalities of the proposals and told the Emperor that Federalism would affect the finances and organization of the Empire.

[22] In reality, Andrassy feared that Bohemian autonomy would adversely affect Hungary’s position within the Empire.

[19] Also, Andrassy feared that the Federalization of Austria would cause minority groups within Hungary to demand similar arrangements.

[23] The public outcry and the political machinations of Beust and Andrassy convinced Emperor Francis Joseph to side against the Hohenwart proposals.

[14] Hohenwart attempted to reach a new deal with the Czechs that called for autonomy for lesser Bohemia.