A United Future: Bavaria And Austria's Potential Alliance

Bavaria and Austria share a border and have a long history of conflict and cooperation. Bavaria is the largest state in Germany by area, and it is home to about one-fifth of Germany's population. It is predominantly Roman Catholic, and it has a strong cultural identity. Austria, meanwhile, has long sought to expand its influence in German-speaking territories, and it has historically competed with Prussia for dominance in the region. Given this context, what might have happened if Bavaria had joined with Austria instead of Germany?

One possibility is that a union between Bavaria and Austria could have stabilized the Austro-Hungarian Empire by giving Austria greater representation in its parliament and military. It also might have helped to form a North German Alliance, as Bavaria would not have been demanding a say in German politics. However, a unified Germany would have been weaker without Bavarian wealth, trade, science, and resources. The impact of this shift on the outcomes of World War I and World War II is a subject of speculation.

Bavaria and Austria could intermarry the Wittelsbachs and Habsburgs to ensure a shared monarchy

Bavaria and Austria could have intermarried the Wittelsbachs and Habsburgs to ensure a shared monarchy. The House of Wittelsbach was a Bavarian dynasty that ruled over territories including the Electorate of Bavaria, the Electoral Palatinate, the Electorate of Cologne, Holland, Zeeland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Hungary, Bohemia, and Greece. The House of Habsburg, on the other hand, was a prominent dynasty in European history that ruled over territories including Austria, Bohemia, Hungary, Croatia, Slavonia, Dalmatia, Spain, Portugal, Sicily, Lombardy-Venetia, and Galicia-Lodomeria.

The two houses could have been united through strategic marriages between their members. For example, a union between a member of the House of Wittelsbach and a member of the House of Habsburg could have been arranged, with the couple ruling over both Bavaria and Austria as co-monarchs. This would have ensured a shared monarchy between the two territories and could have potentially led to greater political and economic stability in the region.

However, it is important to note that the historical context and dynamics between the two houses may have presented challenges to this union. For example, the rivalry between Bavaria and Austria in the 19th century could have been a hurdle, as they competed for influence and power in the region. Additionally, the complex family trees and branching of both houses may have complicated the process of arranging marriages and determining the lines of succession.

Nonetheless, the possibility of a shared monarchy through the intermarriage of the Wittelsbachs and Habsburgs remains an intriguing "what if" scenario in European history.

Bavaria joining Austria would give Austria more Germans to fill parliament and the military

Bavaria joining Austria would indeed give Austria more Germans to fill its parliament and military. In 1946, the population of Bavaria was 12.4 million, while Austria's population was 6.8 million. Even today, Austria's population is 8.4 million, while Bavaria's is 12.5 million.

Bavaria has historically been inhabited by descendants of the Franks, old Bavarian stock, and Bavarian-Swabian descendants. Bavarians share similar cultural origins with Austrians and Western Bohemians, and both Bavarians and Austrians speak Bavarian. The Kingdom of Bavaria and Austria also have a history of royal intermarriage. In 1854, Franz Joseph married Elizabeth of Bavaria.

Bavaria and Austria were once politically and culturally close, sharing a common contempt for Prussia. They were allies in the Austro-Prussian War and oriented themselves against Prussia. However, after the war, Austria was defeated and had to pay a large indemnity to Prussia. As a result, Bavaria joined the Prussian-founded German Empire in 1871.

If Bavaria had joined Austria instead, the increased population could have potentially strengthened Austria's position in the war and changed the fighting strategies of both nations. With more Germans at their disposal, Austria would have had more military might and a larger pool of people to fill parliamentary roles.

A North German Alliance would be more likely to form

Bavaria and Austria have historically shared cultural similarities and close political ties. Both Catholic countries, they are geographically and economically connected, with shared cultural origins and even a common language.

After the Austro-Prussian War of 1866, Bavaria was faced with a choice: align with Prussia or with Austria. Bavaria had been a strong ally of Austria, and the two nations shared a common contempt for Prussia. However, in the aftermath of the war, Prussia appeared to be the "coming" German power. With Austria no longer a viable alternative, Bavaria chose to join the Prussian-founded German Empire in 1871.

Now, let's explore a scenario where, instead of joining the German Empire, Bavaria joins forces with Austria. This alternative alliance could have significant implications for the formation of a North German Alliance. Here's how:

• Power Dynamics: Prussia's dominance in the German states would be challenged. With Bavaria's support, Austria would become a stronger competitor to Prussia, potentially leading to a more balanced power dynamic between the two spheres of influence.
• Southern German States: If Bavaria joined Austria, it could encourage other Southern Germanic states to align with Austria as well. This could create a clear divide between the southern and northern German states, making it more likely for a North German Alliance to form in response to the strengthening of the southern bloc.
• Strategic Alliances: The proposed union of Bavaria and Austria may prompt the Prussian-led German states to forge stronger alliances with their northern neighbours. This could be a strategic move to counterbalance the potential power of a Bavaria-Austria alliance and the possibility of other southern states joining them.
• Economic Factors: Bavaria and Austria's combined economic power could also play a role in shaping alliances. Together, they could offer attractive economic opportunities to their northern neighbours, potentially drawing them into their sphere of influence.
• Military Strategies: The altered power dynamics resulting from a Bavaria-Austria alliance would significantly impact military strategies. Prussia would need to adapt its military plans, and the potential for a two-front war with a strong southern bloc would increase the likelihood of a northern alliance for mutual defence.
• Political Negotiations: The formation of a Bavaria-Austria bloc would initiate intense political negotiations and realignment of interests among the German states. The northern states may find it advantageous to set aside their differences and unite to counter the potential dominance of the southern bloc.

In summary, the proposed union of Bavaria and Austria would significantly impact the political landscape of the region. It would create a powerful bloc in the south, prompting the northern German states to respond by forming their own alliance, leading to a more distinct divide between the southern and northern spheres of influence.

A unified Germany would be weaker without Bavarian wealth, trade, science and resources

Bavaria is the largest state in Germany by area, and its second-most populous. It is also one of the wealthiest German states, with a strong industrial base. Its capital, Munich, is Germany's third-largest city.

Bavaria has a strong cultural identity, and its people have historically been closer to their Austrian neighbours than to other Germans. Both Bavarians and Austrians share a common contempt for their Prussian neighbours. After the First World War, Bavarian nationalism became a strong political movement, and proposals were made for Austria to join Bavaria.

A unified Germany without Bavaria would lose a significant portion of its wealth, trade, science, and resources. Bavaria's industrial output is substantial, with a focus on high-technology industries, precision optical and electrical equipment, machinery, motor vehicles, aircraft, and clothing. Munich is a major transportation hub, and the state has a well-developed road and rail network. Bavaria also has a strong agricultural sector, with large, highly mechanised farms. The Gäuboden Plain, a fertile basin along the Danube, is known as the granary of Bavaria.

Bavaria also has significant natural resources, including hydroelectric power, and access to oil from Mediterranean ports. The state's tourism industry is also notable, with popular destinations including the Bavarian Alps, the Allgäuer Alps, and the town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, one of Europe's most popular mountain resorts.

In conclusion, a unified Germany without Bavaria would be significantly weaker in terms of economic output, trade, scientific innovation, and natural resources. The loss of Bavaria's substantial population would also reduce Germany's global influence and political power.

Austria may have been the only state to last through World War One intact

It is unclear how Bavaria joining Austria would have led to Austria being the only state to last through World War One intact. However, here is some information on Austria during World War One and its aftermath.

Austria-Hungary was defeated by Prussia and its allies in the Austro-Prussian War of 1866. Following this defeat, Austria was forced to settle accounts with Hungary, which had attempted to gain independence in 1848. As a result, Austria elevated Hungary to a "dual" Austro-Hungarian monarchy in 1867, allowing Hungary to administer about half of the combined empire. This signalled that German affairs were of secondary importance to Austria, and when Austria declined to join the Germans (or France) in the Franco-Prussian War, Prussia appeared to be the "coming" German power. As a result, Bavaria joined Prussia in the newly formed German Empire in 1871.

During World War One, Austria-Hungary fought as part of the Central Powers, which also included Germany, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria. The Central Powers were ultimately defeated by the Allied Powers, leading to the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918. In the aftermath of the war, Austria was established as a republic and faced serious economic problems, hyperinflation, and increasing tension between different political groups. The Social Democratic Party and the Christian Social Party, which had previously governed Austria, were now opposed by the nationalist Great German Union, which became the Greater German People's Party in 1920.

In the years following World War One, there were frequent acts of violence between the various armed factions in Austria, and people were regularly killed. The Christian Social Party ruled from 1932, and Chancellor Engelbert Dollfuß worked to establish an authoritarian state. However, he was assassinated in a Nazi coup attempt in July 1934. His successor, Kurt Schuschnigg, tried to maintain Austria's independence but was forced to resign by Hitler in March 1938. This led to the annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany, known as the Anschluss.

During World War Two, Austria was once again part of the Central Powers, alongside Germany, Italy, and several other countries. However, this time, the Central Powers were defeated by the Allied Powers, which included the UK, the Soviet Union, the US, and France. In April 1945, Allied-occupied Austria declared independence from Nazi Germany, and in 1946, the first general elections were held, resulting in a victory for the coalition of Christian Democrats and Social Democrats. In 1955, Austria was granted full independence and the last occupation troops left the country.

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