Was the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy One of the True Great Powers? On the Historical-Geographical and Political-Geographical Aspects of the Fall of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy

During the period of over 50 years of its history (1867–1918), the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy played a significant role in power politics in the world and primarily in Europe. Considering its geographical features, i.e. its size and population figures, the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy was viewed as one of the world great powers. This function came to an end abruptly when the Empire dissolved in 1918. Central European and Hungarian historians have for long been arguing about the reasons and causes of the dissolution of the Monarchy. This paper aims to contribute to this academic dispute by throwing light on several specific historical-geographical and political-geographical aspects of the event. This paper investigates the above issue from three different points of view. On the one hand, it examines how the Empire in a geographical sense shifted to the East. On the other hand, it offers an insight into the ethnic and cultural diversity of the Monarchy. Finally, the paper aims to analyze the Monarchy’s failed attempt at colonization.