How did the dual monarchy of Austria Hungary function?
1 Answer
The Dual Monarchy was a compromise to return some sovereignty to Hungary after the failed revolution in 1848 and the Military defeat of Austria in 1866.
Explanation:
Hungary had functioned with a great deal of Independence within the Austrian Empire for centuries. The Dual Monarchy agreement allowed the re-establishment of a separate Parliament, Judiciary, and Customs system within the Austrian Empire. The revolution of 1848 had very nearly overthrown the Austrian influence so that Hungary would become an independent country from the Empire. Military rule of Hungary was the consequence.
Austria was defeated by Prussia in 1866 and the Italians continued to unify in the periodic fighting in the Austrian territories in Italy. The Austrian Empire was in great financial difficulty and the compromise split the debt with Hungary. The Dual Monarchy was a partial re-establishment of the pre-1848 order in which Hungary had separate, Parliament, and Judiciary.
In this case the Austrian Emperor was King of Hungary as well. The deal was ratified by a vote but only about 8% of Hungarians were able to vote so the deal was roundly condemned in public.
Austro-Hungary collapsed completely in October 1918 and her troops stopped fighting the Italians in November. This more than any other factor caused the German General Staff to sue for Peace ending World War 1.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austro-Hungarian_Compromise_of_1867
