Treaty of Saint-Germain

Definition

The Treaty of Saint-Germain was a peace agreement signed on September 10, 1919, between the Allied Powers and Austria, formally ending World War I for Austria and redrawing its borders. It aimed to dismantle the Austro-Hungarian Empire, recognizing the independence of several nation-states and significantly reducing Austria's territory and influence in Europe.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Treaty of Saint-Germain officially recognized the independence of several countries including Czechoslovakia, Poland, and Hungary.
2. Austria was required to limit its army to 30,000 men and was forbidden from uniting with Germany.
3. The treaty included provisions for reparations to be paid by Austria to the Allied Powers.
4. It established new borders that significantly reduced Austria's land area, losing territories to Italy, Yugoslavia, and Czechoslovakia.
5. The treaty was part of a series of post-war agreements that reshaped Europe after World War I, including the Treaty of Versailles.

Review Questions

• How did the Treaty of Saint-Germain impact Austria's territorial integrity and military capacity?
  • The Treaty of Saint-Germain drastically reduced Austria's territorial integrity by stripping it of significant lands and creating new states. Territories such as South Tyrol were given to Italy, while parts went to newly-formed countries like Czechoslovakia. Additionally, Austria's military capacity was severely limited; the treaty restricted its army to just 30,000 troops, making it one of the weakest military powers in Europe.
• Discuss the principle of self-determination as it relates to the outcomes of the Treaty of Saint-Germain and its recognition of new states.
  • The principle of self-determination played a crucial role in shaping the Treaty of Saint-Germain. By acknowledging the rights of various nationalities within the former Austro-Hungarian Empire, the treaty facilitated the creation of independent states like Czechoslovakia and Hungary. This emphasis on self-determination reflected a broader trend in post-World War I diplomacy that aimed to create a new order based on national identities rather than imperial dominance.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of the Treaty of Saint-Germain on European stability and politics in the interwar period.
  • The long-term consequences of the Treaty of Saint-Germain contributed to instability in Europe during the interwar period. The harsh restrictions placed on Austria fueled resentment and economic hardship, which created fertile ground for extremist political movements. Additionally, the redrawing of borders often ignored ethnic and national complexities, leading to tensions and conflicts among newly formed states. These factors contributed to a climate of dissatisfaction that ultimately played a role in the rise of fascism and the outbreak of World War II.

Related terms

Austro-Hungarian Empire: A multi-ethnic empire in Central and Eastern Europe that existed from 1867 until its dissolution in 1918, encompassing various nationalities, including Austrians, Hungarians, Czechs, and Slovaks.

Self-determination: The principle that nations have the right to determine their own political status and governance, which was a significant factor in the post-war treaties and the redrawing of borders.

League of Nations: An international organization established after World War I to promote peace and cooperation among countries, aimed at preventing future conflicts.