Changes

====Italians from Korcula in the nineteenth and twentieth century====

====Italians from Korcula in the nineteenth and twentieth century====

At the census of 1910 [[Italy|Italians]] were 25% of the population of the centre of Korčula and 15% of the nearby village of Petrara (Vrnik). In the rest of the town, as well as in the rest of the island, there was an Italian population. The majority of Italians were made by small artisans, especially cut-stones, masons and carpenters, trades in which these Curzolani Petrara (Vrnik) and those of teachers and were known and appreciated beyond the borders of Dalmatia. A minority, however, was made up of landowners, merchants and retailers. In 1861 Curzolani political representatives of the Italian language were family members of Auditors Smerchinich (Smerkinić, of Slavic origin or Smrkinić).

At the census of 1910 Italians were 25% of the population of the center of Korčula and 15% of the nearby village of Petrara (Vrnik) . In the rest of the town, as well as in the rest of the island, there were Italians. The majority of Italians were small artisans, especially stone cutters, masons and carpenters.

In 1867 Mr Smerchinich was elected to parliament in Vienna. However, the Slavicisation of the town had already begun by the [[Austria|Austrian]] authorities, who considered the Croats more loyal subjects than the Italians. In 1893, there was protests by the local population. The imperial authorities did close the local Italian school and education was provided solely in Korčula in Croatia. But Korcula city continued to vote for Smerchinich compactly. Moreover, in response to the growing work of the City  being slavicized. In 1895 , was founded one of the first sites of the National League, which strove for the preservation of Italian language and culture on site. However, despite the forced  Slavicisation by the local authorities, in 1909 Korcula  still had a bilingual character. With the collapse of Austria-Hungary following the end of World War I fierce disputes started between the Italians and Croatians.

In the towns of Korčula and Petrara (Vrnik) were people employed in  trades such as teaching who were known and appreciated beyond the borders of Dalmatia. A minority, however, was made up of landowners, merchants and retailers. In 1861 political representatives of the Italian language in Korčula were Auditors of the Smerchinich family (Smerkinic, of Slavic origin). In 1867 an Italian of the Smerchinich family was elected to parliament in Vienna. However, [[Austria|Austrian]] authorities had begun the work of slavitization of the town. The Austrians considered the Croats were more loyal subjects than the Italians.  

On November 4, 1918 , the Italian navy occupied the city.  

In 1893, there were protests by the local population. The imperial authorities closed the local Italian school and education was provided solely in Korčula in Croatia however the town of Korčula continued to vote for the Smerchinich family.  In 1895, in response to the growing slavitization of the town of Korčula one of the first sites of the National League was founded. The League strove for the preservation of Italian language and culture on site.  

Many at the time, also gave some to a shipment of D'Annunzio in Korcula, similar to the story of the River. = '''?'''

In 1909, however, despite the slavitization, all the acts of local authorities in the district of Korčula  still had bilingual character. With the collapse of Austria-Hungary following the end of [[World War I]], fierce disputes between Italians and Croatians occurred in Korcula

However, in 1921, Italy gave up and retreated from the island, throwing the town into turmoil and depression within the local Italian population (then about 900 people). The situation was aggravated by the fact that between 1918 and 1920 , the Italian authorities of occupation had incited and carried on with local anti-Yugoslav political events. This policy had created animosity among Italians and Croats, who were afraid of the risk of reprisals at the time of the advent of the sovereignty of Yugoslavia, and the risk of an exodus of the Italian population. In March 1921, the exodus of Italians Curzolani began. This was accelerated by events and rallies hostile to Italy and the Italians, that were repeated every day. They were fuelled by the Arneri brothers, former Austrian officials.  

On November 4, 1918, the Italian navy occupied the city. However, in 1921, Italy gave up and retreated from the island, throwing into turmoil and caused depression in the local Italian population (then about 900 people). The situation was aggravated by the fact that between 1918 and 1920, the Italian occupying authorities had incited and caused part of the Italian anti-Yugoslav conflict. This created animosity among Italians and Croats, who were afraid of the risk of reprisals at the time of the advent of the sovereignty of Yugoslavia, and the risk of an exodus of the Italian population.  

In May 1921 , more than half of local Italians had left the island. At the end of that year, only 180 Italians who stay on the island, meet at former Italin school. In 1923 , the number of Italians had been reduced to 46. However, some had preferred the Yugoslav citizenship for not losing their economic activities. Indeed, in 1933 the mixed elementary school had 40 pupils Italian town. Korcula also continued to operate the Italian Union, an association chaired by Michele Smerchinich, with 41 members remaining members of the main Italian families (Benussi, Damianovich, Depolo, Perucich, Radizza, Smerchinich, Vinz, Zanetti). At the end of World War II, however, there were no longer  Italians left on Korčula.

 

In May 1921, more than half of local Italians had left the island. At the end of that year, only 180 Italians who had stayed on the island, gathered around the local school, then closed.  

In 1923, the number of Italians had been reduced to 46. Many of these remaining Italians, however, had preferred to have Yugoslav citizenship in exchange for not losing their economic activities. Indeed, in 1933 the mixed elementary school had 40 Italian pupils. Korcula also continued to operate the Italian Union, an association chaired by Michele Smerchinich, with 41 members.  These people were remaining members of the main Italian families (Benussi, Damianovich, Depolo, Perucich, Radizza, Smerchinich, Vinz, Zanetti).  

 

At the end of [[World War II]], however, there were no Italians left on Korčula.

====Towns and municipalities in the region of Dubrovnik-Neretva====

====Towns and municipalities in the region of Dubrovnik-Neretva====