The treaties of St Germain and Trianon, drawn up in the aftermath of the First World War, were pivotal in shaping the geopolitical landscape of Central Europe during the interwar period and beyond. The treaties, part of the larger Paris Peace Conference, fundamentally altered the contours of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, leading to significant political, economic, and social implications. This essay aims to explore the nature of these treaties and their subsequent impact on the affected countries and regions, particularly Austria and Hungary. In doing so, it will consider the views of prominent historians on this complex and transformative era.
The Treaty of St Germain, signed on 10th September 1919, marked the formal end of Austria-Hungary's involvement in World War I. It legally established the Republic of Austria, separated from Hungary and significantly reduced in size. It disallowed any political or economic union with Germany without the consent of the League of Nations and recognised the independence of Czechoslovakia, Poland, and the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (later Yugoslavia). The Treaty of Trianon, signed on 4th June 1920, similarly set the seal on Hungary's participation in the war. It resulted in Hungary losing about two-thirds of its pre-war territories and more than half of its population, significantly to Romania. Historian Sally Marks notes that the terms of these treaties were notably harsh, intended as punitive measures towards the Central Powers, a sentiment echoed by historian Alan Sharp. However, Marks suggests the treaties were more reflective of the Allies' concerns about maintaining a balance of power in the region, with less consideration for the ethnic complexities that were rife.
The political ramifications of the treaties were profound. In Austria, the treaty isolated the nation, inhibiting its ability to form a union with Germany. As a result, Austria's political situation remained precarious throughout the interwar years, marked by instability and economic hardship. Historian Richard J Evans argues that this destabilisation directly contributed to the rise of radical political movements, setting the stage for the ascendancy of Adolf Hitler. In Hungary, the treaty led to a significant loss of Hungarian-speaking populations to neighbouring countries, resulting in sizable Hungarian minorities abroad. This ignited long-standing ethnic tensions, as highlighted by historian István Deák, who suggests that the treaty's aftermath sowed the seeds for future conflict in the region.
The economic impact of the treaties was significant. Both Austria and Hungary were plunged into economic crises, as their industrial heartlands were stripped away or severed from their markets. For example, Austria lost the coal-rich Bohemia, leaving it economically vulnerable. The treaties also created significant refugee crises as populations moved to remain within their ethnic boundaries. Socially, historian Tara Zahra argues that the treaties engendered a sense of victimhood among Austrians and Hungarians. This sense of injustice fuelled nationalist sentiments that were later exploited by authoritarian leaders. The dramatic re-drawing of boundaries also led to cultural dislocation, fundamentally altering the nature of communities and national identities.
In conclusion, the Treaties of St Germain and Trianon played a significant role in shaping the political, economic, and social realities of Central Europe. Their impacts were vast and deep-seated, resulting in substantial shifts in national boundaries and regional power dynamics. Though the treaties aimed to establish a lasting peace, historians like Marks, Sharp, Evans, Deák, and Zahra underline the complexities and contradictions in their outcomes, highlighting how the punitive nature of the treaties and the redrawing of ethnic boundaries indirectly set the stage for further conflicts in the 20th century. This demonstrates that peace treaties, while attempting to conclude conflicts, can inadvertently sow the seeds for future discord, a lesson to be heeded in contemporary conflict resolution.
