Hospodářská situace majetkových komplexů šlechtických rodů Waldstein-Wartenberg, Lobkowicz, Fürstenberg a Schönborn na počátku 20. století

This study follows the development of property complexes of mentioned four noble families in Bohemia after the turn of the 19th and the 20th century. Attention is drawn to the Waldstein-Wartenberg family line from Mnichovo Hradiště, Lobkowicz family line owning Křimice manor estate, Fürstenberg family owning Křivoklát country estate and family of imperial counts of Schönborn. The study is based primarily on analysis of budget of central administrations of the respective property complex of noble families, which provide an overview their financial potential and the state of their property. The crucial criterion in this respect is the list of receivables and liabilities and also the economic potential. Important is also the overall character of the property, especially in relation to the type of business. The comparison shows the differences in nature and potential of the four properties. Dynamic development and investment options were typical for the evolution of Waldstein-Wartenberg family property. The large complex of Fürstenberg family property was relatively stable and guaranteed to cover the claims of individual family members. Lobkowicz form Křimice had a comparatively small property. Schönborn family farms were in a rather unsatisfying state not far form bankruptcy. All four noble families were experiencing a certain level of stress given the fact that large number of family members depended upon the course of their dominions. Another characteristic in all four cases was the fact that property ownership and the use of property owned formed the cornerstone of economic activities, i.e. forestry and agriculture, wood processing industry, building material and food industry. The Waldstein-Wartenberg as well as Fürstenberg families had a long engineering tradition, especially in the field of heavy industry, however during the period studied this was already part of the past. Generally, it can be concluded that the situation of selected noble families suggests that the great potential of individual properties was not always used for further development or even mere maintence.