October Diploma
Quick Summary
The October Diploma was a decree issued in October 1860 by Francis Joseph, emperor of Austria. It was intended to establish a new constitution following military defeats and internal pressures for reform. The Diploma created a central parliament with advisory authority in financial matters and assigned other internal affairs to the provinces, while foreign policy and military issues remained under the emperor's control.1
However, the October Diploma was met with dissatisfaction from various groups. German centralists opposed its provincial powers, while federalists, particularly Hungarians, felt it did not restore sufficient traditional rights. Due to this opposition, Francis Joseph abandoned the Diploma and issued the February Patent in 1861, which further centralized power and ultimately proved unworkable.1
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
AustriaConstitutional experimentation, 1860–67…decree a constitution called the October Diploma (1860). The constitution established a central parliament of 100 members and gave it advisory authority in matters of finance, commerce, and industry. Authority in other internal matters was assigned to the provinces. Foreign policy and military issues remained the domain of the emperor.
Read More…decree a constitution called the October Diploma (1860). The constitution established a central parliament of 100 members and gave it advisory authority in matters of finance, commerce, and industry. Authority in other internal matters was assigned to the provinces. Foreign policy and military issues remained the domain of the emperor.
Read More
Czechoslovak historyNational awakening and the rise of constitutionalismIn the October Diploma of 1860 and the February Patent of 1861, Francis Joseph declared the end of neoabsolutism and his readiness to adopt a constitution.
Read MoreIn the October Diploma of 1860 and the February Patent of 1861, Francis Joseph declared the end of neoabsolutism and his readiness to adopt a constitution.
Read More
GermanyThe 1860s: the triumphs of Bismarck…he promulgated a constitution (the October Diploma) for his domains, setting up a bicameral legislature with an electoral system favoring the bourgeoisie, and Austria ceased to be an absolutist state. The beginnings of political unification in Italy, moreover, aroused hope and envy north of the Alps. If the Italians could…
Read More…he promulgated a constitution (the October Diploma) for his domains, setting up a bicameral legislature with an electoral system favoring the bourgeoisie, and Austria ceased to be an absolutist state. The beginnings of political unification in Italy, moreover, aroused hope and envy north of the Alps. If the Italians could…
Read More