World-history / Attitude of the Allied Powers & the Peace treaties / Treaty of St Germain (1919)
Treaty of St Germain (1919)
These treaties, signed in the aftermath of World War I, dealt with Austria and Hungary respectively, and had significant repercussions:
Treaty of St. Germain (1919) - Austria:
- Territorial Reduction: Austria, once part of the expansive Habsburg Empire, was significantly reduced in size. It lost substantial territory, including its access to the sea.
- Principle of Self-Determination: The treaty adhered to the principle of self-determination, meaning that people were to live under the government of their own nationality. This led to the emergence of new nations and the redrawing of borders based on ethnic and national identities.
- Prohibition of Anschluss: Similar to the Treaty of Versailles, the Treaty of St. Germain forbade any union (Anschluss) between Austria and Germany. This was meant to prevent Austria from seeking unification with Germany.
Treaty of Trianon (1920) - Hungary:
- Drastic Territorial Losses: Hungary, another former component of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, saw significant territorial losses. It lost about two-thirds of its pre-war territory, which was distributed among neighboring countries.
- Application of Self-Determination: The treaty applied the principle of self-determination to Hungary as well, leading to the emergence of independent nations formed from former Hungarian territories.
- Loss of Access to the Sea: Hungary lost its access to the Adriatic Sea, which was a notable blow to its economic and strategic interests.
These treaties reshaped the geopolitical landscape of Central Europe, dismantling the once-powerful Austro-Hungarian Empire and creating new, smaller states. The principle of self-determination, while aiming to address national aspirations, also led to tensions and disputes over border demarcations, contributing to future conflicts in the region.
