Austria-Hungary
Austria-Hungary, also known as the Austro-Hungarian Empire or the Dual Monarchy, was a constitutional monarchic union between the Austrian Empire and the Kingdom of Hungary. Here are some key details:
Formation
Structure and Governance
- The Emperor of Austria, Franz Joseph I, also held the title of King of Hungary, maintaining the unity of the empire under his rule.
- Common affairs like foreign policy, defense, and finance were managed by the Common Ministry, while other matters were handled separately by the Austrian and Hungarian governments.
Geography and Demographics
- The empire was a multiethnic state, encompassing diverse groups including Germans, Hungarians, Czechs, Slovaks, Croats, Serbs, Romanians, Poles, Ruthenians, Slovenes, and Italians.
- It covered a vast area in Central and Eastern Europe, stretching from the Adriatic Sea in the south to the Carpathian Mountains in the north, and from Switzerland to Ukraine.
Economic and Social Development
- The empire experienced significant economic growth in the late 19th century, with industrialization and railway construction playing key roles.
- However, ethnic tensions and the push for national self-determination among its various peoples led to political instability.
Dissolution
Legacy
- The fall of Austria-Hungary significantly altered the political landscape of Central Europe, contributing to the rise of nationalism and new state formations.
- Its cultural and architectural influence can still be seen in the cities that were once part of its territory.
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