History and Legends Zgodovina in legende

Milestones I 6 th c. – Slavonic people on today’s territory of Slovenia 7 th c. – the independent Duchy of Carantania Counts of Celje – Slovene feudal family 15 th c. – Slovene territory was taken over by the Hapsburgs

Milestones II 16 th c. – Period of reformation: foundation of Slovene language 1848 – “Zedinjena Slovenia” – 1st political programme (not successful):  All the lands inhabited by Slovenes united in one province calledSlovenia  Slovene language – official language  Autonomous province within Hapsburg Monarchy

World War I Front on the river “Soča” (Isonzo Front) After World War I  the independent state of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs (October 1918)  Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (December 1918)  Kingdom of Yugoslavia (1929)

World War II Slovenia was occupied by Italians, Germans and Hungarians Liberation Front founded in 1941 Leading role of Communist Party Civil war (partisans vs. white guard) 1945 Slovenia is a part of Federal People’s Republic of Yugoslavia

Choosing the Independence First clear demand in 1987 Political arrests. April 1990 – first democratic elections December 1990 – referendum (88 % voted for independent and sovereign Slovenia) Declaration of independence: 25 th June day war

Independent country … in EU December 1991 – Slovene constitution ended the communist system Member of EU and NATO (since 204) Accepted EURO in January 2007 Presidency of the council of EU in first half of 2008

Do you know the answers? How many times did Slovenes have their own country? Slovenia was a part of many countries in the course of the history – which ones? Why is reformation period important for Slovenes? How did Slovenes decide for independence in 20th century? What in your opinion the future in EU holds for Slovene nation?

Legends Zlatorog – Goldenchamois (today a brand name for a delicious Slovene beer) How did Ljubljana become a city?

Legends King Matjaž, who sleeps under mount Peca. The story of Erazem Predjamski.