Presentation of the Ruler Franz Joseph I During Military Manuevers in the Vicinity of Bjelovar (1888) and Donji Miholjac (1901) Based on the Material from the Museum of Slavonia

The paper presents an overview of Franz Joseph I during military maneuvers in Bjelovar and its surroundings in 1888 and in Donji Miholjac and its surroundings in 1901. Based on museum objects, newspapers and available literature, it interprets the interrelation between the Austro-Hungarian ruler and other participants in military maneuvers. Taking into consideration the Austro-Hungarian propaganda, which focused on the character and work of the ruler Franz Joseph I, we can see how the writing in newspapers and the depictions of the ruler on objects fi t into the promotional discourse. On all the medals used, the portrait of the ruler is shown on the obverse, and on the part of the medals from military maneuvers near Donji Miholjac and on the reverse, he observes the maneuvers. We can write the thesis that the goal in the newspaper articles and museum items used was to present Franz Joseph I as a ruler who cared for the people of the Habsburg Monarchy, and the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy since 1867. Although it must be taken into consideration that military maneuvers were observed, supplemented with the available literature, it is evident that one of the foundations of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy was the army that accompanied the ruler, as he accompanied it during their activities.