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THE ROLE OF THE HUNGARIAN GOVERNMENT IN
THE DEVELOPMENT OF PERIPHERIES IN THE AUSTRO¬
HUNGARIAN MONARCHY FOCUSING THE POLICY OF
THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULURE (1897-1914)
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PETRA BALATON
ABSTRACT
The necessity of the economic, cultural and social development of the
peripheries was recognized by the Hungarian public at the end of the 19%
century due to the mass emigration of the inhabitants seeking employment
abroad. Daränyi Igndc, Minister of Agriculture (between 1895-1903 and
1906-1910), launched a uniform and comprehensive economic development
programme, the so called “folk aid actions” within the framework of the
gradually established branch office system. These turned into intermediary
level specialized offices serving for the completion of the agricultural
organizational tasks in the areas of Subcarpathia, Upper Hungary, Székely
Land and Transylvania (1897-1914). Concurrently the goal of the assessment
was to introduce the underlying responsibility of the government in raising the
underdeveloped, deficient areas mainly to be found in the peripheries, and to
find what kind of means and assistance could be offered by the government in
advancing the regions.
Keywords: development of peripheries, Ministry of Agriculture, system of
branch offices, regional economic actions, “folk aid actions”, aid and support
policy
After the declaration of 1867, Hungary during the Austro-Hungarian
assimilation process underwent huge economic and social development.
However, the general upturn did not characterise the whole territory and
population of the country evenly. Especially the areas characterised by
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