Austria-Hungary

A central European multi-ethnic empire that existed from 1867 to 1918, Austria-Hungary was a dual monarchy consisting of two distinct states: the Austrian Empire and the Kingdom of Hungary, as well as much of what is today Czechia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina, as well as parts of Italy, Poland, Ukraine, Romania, and Serbia. Each had its own constitution, government, and administrative structures, but they were united under a single monarch, Franz Joseph I, who held the titles of Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary.

The empire was a complex political entity, encompassing within its borders eleven major nationalities. This diversity led to significant internal tensions and challenges in governance, with the various ethnic groups increasingly demanding national self-determination. Language was a central point of contention for minorities fighting for the right to use their own language in matters of government and education.

During the five decades of its existence, Austria-Hungary was a major European power and played a significant role in the political and military events of the time. Its alliance with Germany in World War I led to its downfall. Austria-Hungary was dismantled after the war and its territories were divided into several independent nation-states, including Austria, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, and Yugoslavia.