Conquering Rivals: Strategies For Hungary To Beat Austria

In the Hearts of Iron IV strategy game, players can attempt to beat Austria as Hungary. This scenario is based on the historical rivalry between the two nations, which were once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire but became independent of each other after World War I. Players have shared various strategies for achieving this objective, such as demanding a referendum and declaring war when Austria declines, focusing on capturing Vienna, and forming alliances with other nations. Some players suggest improving relations with Austria to reunite the empire peacefully. Others recommend specific in-game actions, like creating spy agencies and building new railways. The game also offers different paths for Hungary's political development, such as electing a Democratic, Fascist, or Non-Aligned king, each with unique consequences.

Demand a referendum, then declare war when Austria declines

If you want to beat Austria as Hungary, one strategy is to demand a referendum and then declare war when Austria declines. This approach can give you an advantage and provide a pathway to victory. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to execute this strategy effectively:

Step 1: Balanced Budget and Referendum Demand

Start by ensuring your budget is balanced, and then rush to demand a referendum. This initial step is crucial as it sets the stage for the rest of your strategy.

Step 2: Prepare for War

When Austria declines the referendum, you can immediately declare war. However, keep in mind that Austria typically has more men per division than Hungary, so you need to be strategic. Consolidate your forces and focus on creating stronger divisions. Use your planes to increase movement speed and destabilize the enemy lines.

Step 3: Surround Vienna

Move swiftly to surround Vienna, as the Austrians are likely to have troops stationed there. Employ a "blocking" tactic, where you hold one enemy division in place with your own division, allowing your other forces to move past them. This will help you force the Austrians out of Vienna and capture Salzburg, which can be key to ending the war swiftly.

Step 4: Adapt and Overcome

Hungary's divisions may struggle with manpower deficits and reaching full strength. To counter this, consider consolidating your forces into a smaller number of stronger divisions and utilizing CAS spam. Additionally, improving relations with Austria before the referendum can increase the chances of a positive outcome and make it easier to reunite the empire.

Step 5: Persistence Pays Off

Even if you encounter setbacks or initial defeats, remain persistent. Some players have reported losing many men in their first attempts but eventually finding success. Remember that Hungary is generally considered stronger than Austria, so with perseverance and adaptation, you can emerge victorious.

Focus on taking Vienna and Salzburg

If you want to beat Austria as Hungary, one strategy to consider is focusing your efforts on capturing Vienna and Salzburg, two of Austria's most important cities. Here's a plan of action:

Strategy Overview:

The key to this strategy is to destabilize Austria by capturing their key cities, Vienna and Salzburg, which are cultural and economic centres. By taking these cities, you can disrupt their lines of communication, supply chains, and lower their morale. This approach requires careful planning, swift execution, and taking advantage of any element of surprise.

Step 1: Surround Vienna:

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a critical target. It is a cultural and historical hub, and taking it would deal a significant blow to Austrian morale. Move your divisions swiftly to surround Vienna, using your planes to increase your movement speed. Employ tactics such as "Blocking" to prevent Austrian divisions from reinforcing each other, allowing you to isolate and defeat them piecemeal. Remember, your goal is to capture Vienna, so focus on manoeuvring rather than winning every battle.

Step 2: Take Salzburg:

Salzburg, another key Austrian city, is your next objective. This romantically beautiful city, set against the stunning backdrop of the Eastern Alps, holds significant cultural value. Capturing it will further disrupt Austrian operations and provide you with a strategic foothold in the country. Salzburg is a popular tourist destination, so expect some resistance, but persevere and capitalize on any advantage you gain.

Step 3: Consolidate and Advance:

Once you have secured Vienna and Salzburg, consolidate your gains. Use these cities as launching points for further advances into Austria. Continue to disrupt their lines of communication and supply, and exploit any weaknesses you identify. Remember to maintain your division's strength and address any manpower deficits to ensure you can sustain your offensive.

Step 4: Adapt and Exploit Opportunities:

Remain flexible and adapt your tactics as the situation evolves. Take advantage of any opportunities that arise, such as exploiting a lack of troops on the border or targeting underdefended areas. Remember, your goal is to defeat Austria, so be prepared to make strategic decisions and adjust your plans as needed.

By focusing on capturing and holding Vienna and Salzburg, you can deal a severe blow to Austria and increase your chances of victory. Remember to maintain your momentum, exploit weaknesses, and adapt to the changing circumstances of the conflict.

Get a non-aggression pact with Germany

Non-aggression pacts are agreements between two or more countries that include a promise by the signatories not to engage in military action against each other. They are often used to neutralise a potential military threat and can be a device to free up military resources for other purposes.

In the context of your request, a non-aggression pact with Germany could be sought to prevent Germany from interfering in a potential conflict between Hungary and Austria. This would involve diplomatic negotiations between Germany and Hungary, with the aim of reaching an agreement that serves the interests of both parties.

• Identify common interests: Hungary should identify areas of common interest or mutual benefit that could form the basis of the pact. For example, Germany might be interested in securing access to strategic resources or maintaining stability in the region.
• Offer incentives: Hungary could offer incentives to Germany, such as economic concessions or preferential trade agreements, to make the pact more appealing.
• Address Germany's concerns: Hungary should address any potential concerns or conflicts of interest that Germany might have. For example, Hungary could provide assurances that it will not threaten any German territories or interests during the pact's duration.
• Negotiate terms: The specific terms of the non-aggression pact should be carefully negotiated to ensure that they are favourable to both parties. This could include the duration of the pact, the scope of the agreement (e.g., specific geographic regions), and any conditions under which the pact could be terminated.
• Build diplomatic relations: Hungary should work on building positive diplomatic relations with Germany, which could involve improving political and economic ties. This could increase goodwill and make Germany more receptive to the idea of a non-aggression pact.
• Leverage other alliances: If Hungary has alliances with other powerful nations, it could leverage those relationships to influence Germany. For example, Hungary could suggest that a non-aggression pact would be favourable to a third-party nation that Germany has friendly relations with.

It is important to note that even with a non-aggression pact in place, there are no guarantees that Germany will not interfere in the conflict. Historical examples, such as Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union despite the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, demonstrate that such pacts can be broken. Therefore, while a non-aggression pact can be a useful tool, it should be just one part of a broader strategy to manage the conflict with Austria.

Demand Transylvania, then justify war on Yugoslavia

To beat Austria as Hungary, some suggest demanding a referendum and then declaring war when Austria declines. However, this strategy may not be effective due to Hungary's smaller division sizes and manpower deficits. Another strategy involves surrounding Vienna with troops and utilizing "blocking" tactics to force Austria out of Vienna and take Salzburg, thereby ending the war. Improving relations with Austria through the use of railroads and other means can also be considered.

Now, onto the topic of demanding Transylvania and justifying war on Yugoslavia.

Transylvania, a historic region in Eastern Europe, was once part of Hungary in the 11th to 16th centuries. It then became an autonomous principality within the Ottoman Empire before returning to Hungarian control in the late 17th century. In the 20th century, Transylvania was incorporated into Romania, adding to its rich history and cultural diversity.

Yugoslavia, on the other hand, was a union of South Slavic states that included Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Slovenia. Romania and Yugoslavia shared historical foreign relations, particularly during the Second Balkan War, when both countries cooperated within the framework of the Little Entente and the Balkan Pact.

To justify war against Yugoslavia, one could argue that the historical tensions between Romania and Yugoslavia, especially after the 1948 Tito-Stalin split, affected their relations. The issue of navigation on the Danube River further strained their ties. Additionally, during the Yugoslav Wars, Romania lost an important trading partner. These factors could be used to justify military action against Yugoslavia, although it is important to note that such actions may have consequences for regional stability and international relations.

Rebuild the Austro-Hungarian Empire

The Austro-Hungarian Empire, also known as the Dual Monarchy, was a constitutional monarchy that existed between 1867 and 1918. It was a union between the Austrian Empire and the Kingdom of Hungary, with a single monarch who held the titles of Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary. This union was formed after the Austro-Prussian War of 1866, which resulted in the expulsion of Austria from the German Confederation and the need to negotiate with the rebellious Hungarians.

To rebuild the Austro-Hungarian Empire, one would essentially need to reverse the processes that led to its dissolution. Here are some key steps that could be taken:

• Restore the Monarchy: The Austro-Hungarian Empire was a monarchy, with the Emperor of Austria also serving as the King of Hungary. To rebuild the empire, one would need to re-establish this monarchical system, which might involve reinstating a royal family and transferring significant powers to the monarch.
• Unify Austria and Hungary: The empire was a union of two sovereign states, Austria and Hungary, with a single monarch. To rebuild it, one would need to bring these two nations together again, either through peaceful unification or by one nation conquering the other and establishing its rule. This could involve complex political negotiations and potentially military campaigns.
• Address Nationalistic Sentiments: One of the reasons for the empire's dissolution was the rise of nationalism among its constituent groups, including Hungarians, Czechs, and South Slavs. To rebuild the empire, these nationalistic sentiments would need to be addressed, either by granting greater autonomy to these groups or by finding a way to unite them under a single imperial identity.
• Establish Common Ministries: The empire had "common" ministries of foreign affairs and defence, as well as a finance ministry to manage the finances of these portfolios. To rebuild the empire, one would need to re-establish these common ministries, ensuring that both Austria and Hungary are working together on key issues like defence and foreign policy.
• Manage Regional Autonomy: Hungary had full internal autonomy within the empire, and there were also autonomous regions like the Kingdom of Croatia-Slavonia under the Hungarian crown. Managing the levels of autonomy for different regions would be crucial to maintaining unity within the empire.
• Promote a Unified Identity: Language was a contentious issue within the empire, with Hungarian being the primary language in schools and government despite the presence of significant minorities. To rebuild the empire, a more inclusive approach to language and culture might be necessary, promoting a unified Austro-Hungarian identity while still respecting the unique cultural identities of the constituent groups.

It is important to note that the above steps are speculative and that rebuilding a historical empire like Austro-Hungary in the modern era would be an incredibly complex and challenging endeavour, involving significant political, social, and economic transformations.

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