1866: Twilight of the Hasburgs
1866: Twilight of the Hasburgs
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"Let others wage war, but thou, O happy Austria, marry; for those kingdoms which Mars gives to others, Venus gives to thee."
– 16th Century Political Proverb
It has been nearly six centuries since the first Habsburg ruler ascended to the Austrian throne, and in that time the nation has grown into one of the strongest powers in Europe. Unlike the other great powers, Austria was primarily built through diplomatic marriages rather than conquest.
Even with such a reputation, the nation has experienced its fair share of conflict. The loss of Silesia following the Seven Years’ War in 1763 marked the start of more than a hundred years of turmoil. The beginning of the 19th century saw the old European order shattered by Napoleon, and the Revolutions of 1848 only a few decades later brought significant internal upheaval. Nationalist sentiment swept across Europe, affecting the multi-ethnic Austrian Empire more than most. Despite having endured these many challenges, it now stands battered and significantly weakened.
Now, on the 12th of May, 1866, a storm is once again gathering on the horizon. Ever since the failed attempt to establish a German nation-state in 1848, the two dominant powers in Central Europe—Prussia and Austria—have wrestled for supremacy over the issue of German unification. While they fought together in the Second Schleswig War of 1864, the governance of their conquered territories soon became a source of conflict. Through expert diplomatic maneuvering by Prussian Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, the issue has quickly become a full-blown diplomatic crisis. With both Prussia and Austria issuing orders for general mobilization over the past few days, war now seems inevitable.
The Habsburg monarchy now stands before its greatest crisis since Ottoman troops laid siege to Vienna in 1683. While it had been able to recover somewhat from previous conflicts, this war is different. Internal strife plagues the monarchy, the military suffers from a lack of funds and outdated equipment, and the other European powers seem indifferent to the Austrian plight. Through internal reform and capable military leadership, delegates must work to protect Austria from the rising Prussian tide.
Defeat will represent a killing blow to Habsburg power. Empires rise and fall, but has the time finally come for Austria?
Topic A: Starting the Engines of War (War Preparations)
Tensions between the Austrian Empire and the Kingdom of Prussia have reached a point of no return. It is no longer a question of if, but instead when war will occur. Facing one of the most well-equipped militaries in Europe, it will be crucial for the Habsburgs to prepare adequately before the conflict. The internal population must be unified on the issue of war, the military must be properly organized and equipped, and the nation’s industry must be mobilized. This topic will only last a short time at the beginning of the committee.
Topic B: The House of Cards (Internal Issues)
The Austrian Empire represents an amalgamation of numerous central European peoples. Within this diverse demography, many factions exist with different ideologies and visions for how the nation should be governed. Less than two decades ago, nationalism among the minority peoples of the Empire resulted in widespread uprisings. While these movements were suppressed, the underlying issue has yet to be resolved.
At the centre of political discourse lies the issue of federalism versus centralism: if the many regions of the Empire should be afforded more autonomy or remain under a central authority. This issue is especially prominent in Hungary, which was placed under direct Austrian administration after the Hungarian Revolution of 1848. Hungarian figures are divided between those aligned with the Habsburgs and those who continue to advocate for greater independence. Whether through compromise or coercion, a lasting solution must be found. Meanwhile, the revolutions of 1848 also brought more liberal and socialist ideals to the Austrian political landscape. If the current administration wishes to maintain national unity during wartime, it must reconcile these movements with the existing order. Finally, managing war exhaustion will be important, as it will impact not only public morale, but the legitimacy of the Habsburg monarchy as well.
Topic C: Vying for Hegemony (External Issues)
While the Austrian Empire’s influence in Europe has gradually waned in recent decades, it nonetheless remains a powerful player in European affairs. The most pressing issue is the war with Prussia, which threatens the very existence of the nation. The war must be conducted with detail and precision, as any blunder in the face of such a superior force may prove fatal. However, delegates must still maintain a strategic lens of the overall situation. To the south lies Italy, prepared to fight for its historical claims over Venetia. Austrian resources are stretched thin, and must be utilized to their greatest potential. Additionally, Austria still maintains diplomatic relations with the other European great powers. While they are currently uninterested in the upcoming conflict, masterful diplomacy may produce some substantial results. Finally, there remains the original cause of the war with Prussia—the issue of German hegemony. Over the coming weeks, Austria will have to best the Prussians and prove itself as the true leader in German affairs.
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