Croatian "Yugoslavism" in the History of the Construction of the State of the South Slavs in the Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries (Some Problems)

Aim. To explore the features of the ideology of "Yugoslavism" among the Croatian intelligentsia and clergy; to study the activities of the leading Croatian political parties in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which aimed to create a Yugoslav state where the interests of the Croatian people could be realized.

Methodology. The study is based on the principles of objectivity and historicism; the historical-comparative and historical-systemic methods of historical research are applied.

Results.  The main activities of the elite and influential groups of the Croatian population, the intelligentsia and the clergy, during the period when the Croatian lands were part of Austria-Hungary are characterized; differences and similarities in the ideological and political ideas of the leading Croatian political movements on the ways to create a Yugoslav state within Austria-Hungary are considered; the role of the leading Croatian social groups and their parties in defending their national interests in the formation and functioning of the State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs and the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes; the consequences of the actions of the political actions of Croatian political parties and movements in the late 19th- first third of the 20th century are presented.

Research implications. The article contributes to revealing the influence of various political groups united by national, cultural, or religious goals on the formation and development of various state entities in southeastern Europe. The research's generalizations and conclusions will help to gain a better understanding of political processes in modern countries of the Balkan Peninsula in general, and in the countries of the former Yugoslavia in particular. The results of the study can be used in writing scientific articles or preparing scientific reports related to the history of the Balkan countries in the late 19^th century and the first third of the 20^th century.

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