Treaty of Trianon

Definition

The Treaty of Trianon was a peace agreement signed on June 4, 1920, that officially ended World War I for Hungary. It resulted in significant territorial losses for Hungary, as it was forced to cede over two-thirds of its territory to neighboring countries, fundamentally reshaping the map of Central Europe and significantly impacting Hungary's national identity and economy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Treaty of Trianon resulted in Hungary losing about 70% of its land and around 60% of its population, with significant portions going to Czechoslovakia, Romania, and Yugoslavia.
2. The treaty was part of a series of agreements that redrew borders across Europe after WWI, reflecting the principle of national self-determination advocated by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson.
3. The loss of territories led to lasting economic challenges for Hungary, as many industrial and agricultural resources were located in the ceded areas.
4. The treaty has been a source of national trauma and resentment in Hungary, often referred to as 'the trauma of Trianon' or 'Trianon curse' in Hungarian discourse.
5. Hungary's desire to regain its lost territories has influenced its politics and relationships with neighboring countries throughout the 20th century.

Review Questions

• How did the Treaty of Trianon impact the territorial integrity and national identity of Hungary?
  • The Treaty of Trianon drastically altered Hungary's territorial integrity by causing it to lose over two-thirds of its land. This loss not only reshaped the political map but also affected national identity as large numbers of ethnic Hungarians found themselves living in neighboring states. The resulting sense of dislocation and loss contributed to a long-standing narrative in Hungarian history that focuses on restoring Greater Hungary.
• Evaluate the implications of the Treaty of Trianon in relation to other post-World War I treaties.
  • The Treaty of Trianon shares similarities with other post-World War I treaties like the Versailles Treaty, as both aimed to establish peace while imposing significant territorial changes on defeated powers. While Versailles focused on Germany, Trianon specifically addressed Hungary's role in the Austro-Hungarian Empire's collapse. The broader implication was a redrawing of borders based on national self-determination, which often left ethnic minorities within newly formed states, leading to tension and conflict in subsequent decades.
• Analyze how the sentiments surrounding the Treaty of Trianon have influenced Hungarian politics into the 21st century.
  • Sentiments surrounding the Treaty of Trianon have had a profound impact on Hungarian politics well into the 21st century. The feelings of loss and injustice have fueled nationalist movements and influenced political discourse. Parties advocating for Hungarian unity and protecting the rights of ethnic Hungarians living abroad often cite Trianon as a central issue. This legacy continues to shape Hungary's foreign relations with its neighbors, creating ongoing discussions about minority rights and historical grievances.

Related terms

Versailles Treaty: The Versailles Treaty was the most famous peace treaty that officially ended World War I, imposing heavy reparations and territorial changes on Germany.

Greater Hungary: Greater Hungary refers to the historical territory of the Kingdom of Hungary before the Treaty of Trianon, which included lands that were subsequently ceded to neighboring countries.

National Self-Determination: National self-determination is the principle that nations have the right to determine their own political status and pursue their own economic, social, and cultural development.