Treaty of Saint-Germain

Definition

The Treaty of Saint-Germain was a peace agreement signed in 1919 between the Allied Powers and Austria following World War I. This treaty formally dissolved the Austro-Hungarian Empire and established new national boundaries, significantly influencing the formation of new European states. It aimed to promote self-determination for various ethnic groups and laid the groundwork for several independent nations in Central and Eastern Europe.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Treaty of Saint-Germain was signed on September 10, 1919, at the Saint-Germain-en-Laye castle in France.
2. This treaty recognized the independence of several states, including Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and Yugoslavia, from the former Austro-Hungarian Empire.
3. Austria was significantly reduced in size and population, losing territories to neighboring countries as part of the agreement.
4. The treaty imposed military restrictions on Austria, limiting its army and prohibiting conscription.
5. The Treaty of Saint-Germain also addressed minority rights, requiring Austria to provide protections for ethnic groups within its borders.

Review Questions

• How did the Treaty of Saint-Germain contribute to the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire?
  • The Treaty of Saint-Germain played a crucial role in dissolving the Austro-Hungarian Empire by formally recognizing its end and establishing new national borders. It facilitated the independence of various ethnic groups by granting them their own nation-states, which directly contradicted the imperial structure that had existed prior. As a result, it marked a significant shift in Central Europe's political landscape, leading to the emergence of several new nations.
• In what ways did the Treaty of Saint-Germain reflect the principle of self-determination for nations?
  • The Treaty of Saint-Germain reflected the principle of self-determination by allowing various ethnic groups within the Austro-Hungarian Empire to establish their own independent nations. The treaty emphasized the importance of national identity and autonomy for groups such as Czechs and Slovaks. By redrawing borders and creating new states based on ethnic lines, it highlighted a growing acknowledgment of self-determination as a key principle in post-war diplomacy.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Treaty of Saint-Germain on European politics in the decades following its signing.
  • The long-term impacts of the Treaty of Saint-Germain significantly shaped European politics in the decades that followed. The creation of new nation-states led to both stability and conflict, as newly formed countries struggled with ethnic tensions and border disputes. Additionally, the treaty's failure to adequately address minority rights contributed to grievances that would later fuel nationalist movements. This environment set the stage for rising tensions in Europe and ultimately played a role in the lead-up to World War II.

Related terms

Austro-Hungarian Empire: A multi-ethnic empire in Central Europe that existed from 1867 until its dissolution after World War I, comprising numerous nationalities including Austrians, Hungarians, Czechs, and Slovaks.

Self-Determination: The principle that nations have the right to freely choose their sovereignty and international political status without external interference.

League of Nations: An intergovernmental organization founded after World War I to promote peace and cooperation among countries, ultimately seen as a precursor to the United Nations.