Austria's Border: What Changed And Why?

The Austrian border with Hungary has been a source of contention for centuries. Before 1918, the border between the two countries was formed by the Leitha, March and Lafnitz Rivers. After World War I, a three-year dispute between Austria and Hungary over the territory began. The victorious states in Paris and the territorial decrees of the peace treaties ultimately decided the new border, which was never seriously questioned again.

In recent years, there has been an increase in traffic at the Hungarian-Austrian border crossing at Sopron, as several roads in Burgenland have been closed to reduce traffic, which the municipality said was done on the grounds of protecting the peace of its residents.

The border between Austria and Hungary was demarcated after World War I

The border between Austria and Hungary had previously been an internal border within the Austro-Hungarian Empire, reaffirmed by the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867. The border was between the Habsburg hereditary lands and the lands of the Hungarian Kingdom. The border was also along the three rivers: the Leitha, March and Lafnitz. Stricter border controls were introduced during World War I.

The border was considered a prime example of the general turmoil that occurred in East-Central Europe in the wake of the war

The border demarcation between Austria and Hungary after 1918 is considered a prime example of the general turmoil that occurred in East-Central Europe in the wake of the war. The border dispute between Austria and Hungary over the territory began after World War I. State actors and the local population tried to help shape the demarcation of the border, but the decision was ultimately made by the victorious states in Paris and the territorial decrees of the peace treaties were only minimally modified.

The border between Austria and Hungary prior to 1918 was the traditional border between the two halves of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This was reaffirmed by the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867 and was considered an administrative internal border. Stricter border controls were introduced during World War I.

In November 1918, Austria articulated its official claim to German West Hungary. Despite Austria's territorial claim, both governments were aware that their economies were interdependent. Vienna announced that as long as Hungary supplied food, Austria would put the territorial issue on hold and restrict pro-Austrian propaganda. Budapest insisted on a public announcement that Austria would not annex the territory. In exchange, Hungary allowed Austria the power to invoke "the right of self-determination of the population" at the peace conference.

At first, the victorious states did not expect any change in the Austro-Hungarian border. In March 1919, the new borders of Hungary were established in Paris, but no modification was made to the border between Austria and Hungary. Although Paris knew about Austria's territorial claim, the representatives of the victorious states did not consider it necessary to comply with Austria's wishes in the spring of 1919. For them, it was only a trivial matter between two losing states.

The proclamation of the Hungarian Soviet Republic changed this indifference on the part of the decision-makers. The Treaty of Saint-Germain, which was signed on September 10, 1919, awarded German West Hungary/Burgenland to Austria. The existence of the Hungarian Soviet Dictatorship did not trigger the border shift, but the fear of the spread of communism ("world revolution") facilitated a decision in favour of Austria. The assumption prevailed in Paris that German West Hungary could increase Austria's immunity to communism and also the viability of the “Alpine Republic”.

The Hungarian peace treaty of June 4, 1920, signed in Trianon, reaffirmed that Burgenland including Sopron/Ödenburg belonged to Austria. But Austria still had to wait years for this prescribed transfer of territory – and, in the end, Sopron was not included.

The border was decided by the victorious states in Paris and the territorial decrees of the peace treaties were only minimally modified

The border between Austria and Hungary was decided by the victorious states in Paris and the territorial decrees of the peace treaties were only minimally modified. The border between the two countries was demarcated after 1918 and was considered a prime example of the general turmoil that occurred in East-Central Europe in the wake of World War I.

Before 1918, the border between the two countries was the traditional border between the two halves of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which was reaffirmed by the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867. However, the border was considered an administrative internal border. During World War I, stricter border controls were introduced due to the war economy and the flourishing contraband trade.

After the war, Austria articulated its official claim to German West Hungary on November 18, 1918. However, in March 1919, the new borders of Hungary were established in Paris, and no modification was made to the border between Austria and Hungary. Although Paris knew about Austria's territorial claim, the representatives of the victorious states did not consider it necessary to comply with Austria's wishes in the spring of 1919.

The Treaty of Saint-Germain, which was signed on September 10, 1919, awarded German West Hungary/Burgenland to Austria. The Treaty of Trianon, which was signed on June 4, 1920, reaffirmed that Burgenland, including Sopron/Ödenburg, belonged to Austria. However, Austria still had to wait years for this prescribed transfer of territory. In the end, Sopron was not included.

The border between Austria and Hungary was previously formed by the Leitha, March and Lafnitz Rivers

The border between Austria and Hungary was previously formed by the Leitha, March (or Morava) and Lafnitz Rivers. This border dates back to the medieval frontier march, which existed from around 970 to 1156. The frontier march was centred along the River Danube, which is now Austria's principal river, and protected the eastern borders of the Holy Roman Empire from neighbouring Hungary.

The Leitha River rises in Lower Austria and flows northeast to the Hungarian border, where it meets the Danube. The March (or Morava) River forms a natural border between several countries, including Austria and Slovakia, and flows into the Danube near Bratislava. The Lafnitz River rises in Austria and flows east to the Hungarian border, where it joins the Rába River.

The early medieval march corresponded closely to the modern region of Lower Austria. Under Margrave Ernest the Brave (1055-1075), the colonisation of the northern Waldviertel up to the Thaya River and the Bohemian March of Moravia began, and the Hungarian March was merged into Austria. The residence of the margraves was moved down the Danube to Klosterneuburg until 1145, when Vienna became the official capital.

The border between Austria and Hungary has since changed. After World War I, in 1921, the area known as Burgenland, which had been part of the Hungarian part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, became part of the Republic of Austria. This was because 74% of the inhabitants of Burgenland were of German origin.

The border between Austria and Hungary was reaffirmed by the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867

The border between Austria and Hungary was first established in 1526, when Hungary became part of the Austrian Habsburg Empire. This union was reaffirmed in 1867 by the Austro-Hungarian Compromise, which created the dual monarchy of Austria-Hungary. This agreement allowed Hungary more autonomy, with its own constitution, parliament, and control over its domestic affairs, including its borders.

The Compromise of 1867 was a pivotal moment in the history of both nations, as it solidified their unique relationship within the empire. While they were now two distinct entities, they still shared a common ruler in the form of the Habsburg Emperor, who also served as the King of Hungary. This unique arrangement gave Hungary a level of independence it had not enjoyed since the 16th century.

The border between the two countries became more than just a line on a map; it represented the division between two distinct spheres of influence within the empire. Despite their close ties, Austria and Hungary developed separate identities, with their own unique cultures, languages, and traditions. This diversity within a unified empire was one of its defining characteristics.

The Compromise of 1867 had a significant impact on the development of both nations and their relationship with each other. It provided a framework for cooperation and coexistence, allowing them to function as independent entities while still maintaining a unified front in foreign affairs and defence matters. This unique arrangement lasted for nearly 50 years until the end of World War I, when the empire was dissolved and both countries gained full independence.

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