The Nationality Question

The nationality question essentially refers to assimilation, a constant life-and-death struggle between the dominant and subordinate nationalities. The former seeks to assimilate the latter, while the latter strives to preserve its national identity. In the 19th century, this struggle was insignificant in Western Europe, became the central issue of political life in Central Europe, and led to bloody ethnic conflicts in the Balkans.

The dominant nation seeks assimilation for the following reasons:

1. It aims to establish a large, homogeneous nation-state, which is hindered by the presence of national minorities.
2. Social groups whose power is waning often perceive the nationality question as the cause of their declining position.

Laws of Assimilation Processes:

1. Assimilation occurs only within a cultural community (religious unity is the most crucial factor).
2. The more developed culture prevails, especially one that offers greater freedom for individual expression.
3. If cultures are of equal development, the "sea" absorbs the "island."
4. The assimilation of a people that has achieved self-awareness is impossible.
5. Assimilation is not a conscious process but a result of economic needs and the imitation of a higher cultural standard.
6. The speed of assimilation is directly proportional to the dominant nationality's numerical strength, economic development, and the dispersion of minority populations.

Assimilation can only be promoted through large-scale economic and social policies. Sensitivities must be respected, efforts to uplift the masses must be supported, and all forms of oppression and injustice must be combated. Forced Magyarization triggers reactions that spill over into areas where peaceful integration had previously made progress.

Psychological Consequences of Forced Magyarization:

1. It strengthens the national sentiment and consciousness of the oppressed people.
2. It demoralizes the segment of the dominant nation pursuing such policies and fortifies the most resilient elements of the oppressed people.
3. The solidarity of the oppressed nationality overcomes all social differences.
4. Linguistic results are minimal where the economic conditions do not support the work of schools, and it leads to a general decline in intellectual standards.
5. Public education outcomes deteriorate as schools are viewed as tools for patriotic indoctrination.
6. It halts the economic and cultural advancement of the oppressed nationality, thereby hindering the progress of the entire country.
7. Violent assimilation makes assimilation impossible everywhere, especially at the emotional level.

Oszkár Jászi, an opposition politician and expert on nationality policy, was met with mistrust. He sought to return nationality policy to its liberal phase from 1868. This intention failed, and his warnings could not become guiding principles of policy. This ultimately led to a national catastrophe.

Jászi Oszkár: A nemzeti államok kialakulása és a nemzetiségi kérdés, Budapest, Gondolat Kiadó 1986