Lexi Webster
The tension between Austria-Hungary and Russia was a significant factor leading to World War I. The rivalry between these empires can be attributed to their conflicting ambitions in South-Eastern Europe, particularly regarding Serbia, and their pursuit of power and influence. Austria-Hungary, seeking to crush Serbia, received unconditional support from Germany, which encouraged Russia to back Serbia during the 1914 July Crisis. This support was motivated by the fear of losing their status as 'Great Powers' if they conceded. Additionally, the expansion of European empires, known as imperialism, further fuelled tensions as nations competed for colonies, resulting in the formation of rival alliances. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria by a Bosnian Serb in 1914 served as the tipping point, triggering the outbreak of World War I and leading to the collapse of both the Russian and Austro-Hungarian Empires.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for tension | Competition for an increased role in the Balkans at the expense of the weakening Ottoman Empire |
| Austria-Hungary's anti-Slavic policy | |
| Austria-Hungary's formal annexation of the Bosnia Vilayet in 1908 | |
| Austria's hostile neutrality towards Russia during the Crimean War | |
| Austria-Hungary's perception of Serbia as a threat to the Empire's existence | |
| Russia's resentment towards Germany over Bulgaria | |
| Russia's invasion of Hungary to restore Habsburg sovereignty |
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What You'll Learn
The Bosnian Crisis of 1908-09
The roots of the crisis can be traced back to the Treaty of Berlin of 1878, which gave Austria-Hungary the right to occupy and administer Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, the provinces officially remained possessions of the Ottoman Empire, with the Austro-Hungarian administration working to improve the region and link it closely with Austria-Hungary. In 1908, a revolution in Constantinople established a constitutional government, prompting the Austrian foreign minister, Count Lexa von Aehrenthal, to resolve to annex Bosnia and Herzegovina before the new Turkish regime could regain control.
To gain support for the annexation, Aehrenthal met with the Russian foreign minister, Aleksandr P. Izvolsky, at Buchlau, Moravia, on 16 September 1908. Russia agreed not to object to the annexation in exchange for Austria's support in ending the 1841 convention that blocked Russian warships from using the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits. However, Aehrenthal moved quickly with the annexation, catching Izvolsky unprepared and facing strong opposition from Russia and Serbia, which had close geographical and ethnic ties to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The crisis escalated as Serbia, backed by Russia, demanded that Austria cede a portion of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Serbia. Austria, supported by its ally Germany, threatened to invade Serbia if it persisted in its demands. Russia, unable to secure strong support from its ally France, was forced to submit and accept the annexation in March 1909. While immediate warfare was averted, the crisis worsened relations between Austria-Hungary and Serbia and contributed to the outbreak of World War I.
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Austria-Hungary's annexation of Bosnia-Herzegovina
The background to the annexation can be traced back to the mid-1870s when rebellions against Ottoman rule in the Balkans and subsequent repressive responses led the Russian Tsar, Alexander II, to want to intervene. An agreement was made with Austria-Hungary, whereby Russia would annex Bessarabia, and Austria-Hungary would remain neutral towards Russia in the impending war with the Ottoman Empire. As compensation, Russia agreed to Austria-Hungary's control over Bosnia-Herzegovina. The Treaty of Berlin of 1878 then gave Austria-Hungary the right to occupy and administer Bosnia and Herzegovina, although the provinces officially remained possessions of the Ottoman Empire.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the relationship between Austria-Hungary and Russia was complex and influenced by their competing interests in the Balkans. Russia's support for Austria-Hungary's control over Bosnia-Herzegovina waned over time, and by 1897, under Tsar Nicholas II, Russia had withdrawn its support for the annexation. Austria-Hungary's formal annexation of Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1908 was a significant blow to Russia, which viewed the action as a violation of the Treaty of Berlin. The annexation also upset the balance of power in the region, enraging Serbia and pan-Slavic nationalists throughout Europe.
The annexation of Bosnia-Herzegovina by Austria-Hungary was a critical event in the downward spiral of relations between the two empires in the years leading up to World War I. The Bosnian Crisis, as it came to be known, permanently damaged relations between Austria-Hungary and its neighbours, particularly Serbia, Italy, and Russia. This event also contributed to the rise of pro-Russian, anti-Austrian sentiment in Serbia and other Balkan provinces, further straining relations.
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Austria's hostile neutrality during the Crimean War
Background:
The Crimean War was primarily fought between Russia and an alliance of Britain, France, the Ottoman Empire, and Sardinia. The conflict arose due to religious tensions over access to sacred sites in Turkish-ruled territories and Russia's expansionist policies towards the declining Ottoman Empire. Austria found itself in a complex diplomatic situation, as both Russia and the Anglo-French coalition expected its support for different reasons.
Austrian Diplomatic Calculations:
Austria's decision to remain neutral during the Crimean War was influenced by several factors:
- Hungarian Revolution: The Hungarian Revolution of 1848-1849 had created a sense of indebtedness to Russia, as Tsar Nicholas I had assisted in suppressing the uprising.
- Containment of Russia: Britain and France sought Austrian support in containing Russian expansion, particularly in the Balkans, to maintain a balance of power in Europe.
- Fear of Prussia: Austria was cautious about provoking Prussia, which could take advantage of its engagement in the east to expand westward. This fear set a precedent for Austrian diplomacy in the following decades.
- Maintenance of Relations: Austria aimed to maintain friendly relations with all powers involved in the conflict, avoiding direct involvement to preserve its diplomatic standing.
Hostile Neutrality:
Austria's neutrality during the Crimean War was perceived as hostile by Russia due to several actions and factors:
- Threats against Russia: Austria threatened to join the war against Russia if it did not withdraw from the Danubian Principalities, which Russia eventually did. This ultimatum influenced the Anglo-French decision to enter the war.
- Support for Anglo-French Coalition: While remaining officially neutral, Austria occupied the Danubian Principalities after the Russian withdrawal, effectively supporting the Anglo-French position and removing the original grounds for war.
- Diplomatic Isolation of Russia: Austria's stance angered Nicholas I of Russia and strained Russo-Austrian relations. Russia felt betrayed by Austria's abandonment of their alliance, leading to diplomatic isolation for Austria after the war.
Consequences:
- Loss of Influence: Austria's diplomatic isolation contributed to its defeat in the 1866 Austro-Prussian War and the loss of influence in most German-speaking lands.
- Compromise with Hungary: To regain stability, the Habsburgs gave in to Hungarian demands for autonomy, resulting in the founding of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
- Increased Tensions: The Crimean War marked a turning point, increasing tensions in Central Europe and setting the stage for further conflicts, ultimately contributing to the complex dynamics that led to World War I.
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The Eastern Question
In diplomatic history, the "Eastern Question" refers to the strategic competition and political considerations of the European Great Powers in response to the decline of the Ottoman Empire from the late 18th century to the early 20th century. The "Sick Man of Europe", as the Ottoman Empire was called, underwent a series of defeats and losses that weakened its military strength, territory, and wealth. This decline threatened to disrupt the balance of power in Europe, leading to the emergence of the Eastern Question.
Imperial Russia stood to gain from the decline of the Ottoman Empire. In contrast, Austria-Hungary and Great Britain sought to preserve the Empire, believing it to be in their best interests. This divergence of interests among the European powers fuelled the Eastern Question and the complex dynamics surrounding it.
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Austria-Hungary's perception of Serbia as a threat
Firstly, Serbia was seen as a magnet for the South Slavs of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The rise of Serbian nationalism and the idea of a "Great Serbia" threatened the multi-ethnic fabric of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which included a significant Slavic population. The success of Serbia in the Pig War and the calls for a "Great Serbia" that included Bosnia-Herzegovina and Macedonia alarmed Austria-Hungary.
Secondly, the annexation of Bosnia-Herzegovina by Austria-Hungary in 1908 was strongly opposed by Serbia. Serbia had its own ambitions for Bosnia-Herzegovina and hoped to either annex it or gain autonomy for the province. When Austria-Hungary formally annexed the region, it was seen as a violation of the Treaty of Berlin and an infringement on the independence of the Slavic people in the Balkans. This annexation damaged relations not only with Serbia but also with Russia, which supported Serbia's position.
Thirdly, Germany's role in encouraging Austria-Hungary to take a hard line against Serbia further exacerbated the situation. German statesmen urged Austria-Hungary to attack Serbia, believing that it would lead to a limited war with Russia contained in Eastern Europe. The assurance of German support emboldened Austria-Hungary to take a more aggressive stance towards Serbia.
Additionally, the Bosnian Crisis of 1908-1909, when Austria-Hungary declared its annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, provoked massive protests from Serbia and Russia. This crisis highlighted the competing interests of Austria-Hungary and Russia in the Balkans and the desire to prevent the emergence of a large Slavic state in the region.
The perception of Serbia as a threat to its empire led Austria-Hungary down the path to war. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by a Serbian nationalist in 1914 became the catalyst for Austria-Hungary's declaration of war on Serbia, which, backed by their respective allies, quickly escalated into World War I.
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Frequently asked questions
The major source of tension between the two nations was the so-called Eastern Question, which was about what to do with the weakening Ottoman Empire and its rebellious Christian subjects.
Austria-Hungary maintained a policy of hostile neutrality towards Russia during the Crimean War, which angered Nicholas I of Russia and strained their relationship.
The Austrian annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina was viewed by Russia as an infringement on the Slavic people's independence in the Balkans, leading to massive protestations from Russia and further deteriorating their relationship.
