Automobilizmus a šľachta na Slovensku : Prípad baróna Wielanda z Markušoviec
Motorism and Nobility in Slovakia : The Case of Baron Wieland of Markušovce

Summary/Abstract: Long-term advocated opinion on the conservative approach of nobility in the territory of Slovakia to technical modernization and to modern forms of leisure is a stereotype that has been relativized by historians in recent years. The nobility members often became enthusiastic supporters of modern trends. Motoring was undoubtedly a part of the spectrum of modern leisure activities. In addition, specific economic and socio-cultural background in Slovakia, as well as high staggered costs, operating costs and the legislative restrictions on personal cars have increased them as a “social elite thing”. That can be considered as one of the key of motoring development in Slovakia. Besides the well-known “prominent” motorists from the territory of Slovakia, for example Count Géza Andrássy or Count Vidor Csáky is also a good example the lesser-known Baron Ákos Wieland, who owned personal cars before the First World War and he used them to a great extent. After the establishment of the Czechoslovak Republic, he became an active member of the oldest car owners club in Slovakia and the cars filled a lot of his personal leisure time. The goal of the contribution is to portray character of personal cars, their role and share in free-time activities of the nobility in Slovakia during the interwar period through the example of Baron Ákos Wieland of Markušovce. At the same time, it helps as an example to complement the wider mosaic of changes in the lifestyle of the nobility in the reference period.

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