Dual Monarchy of Austria-Hungary

Definition

The Dual Monarchy was established in 1867 when Austria and Hungary joined together under one monarch but maintained separate parliaments and administrations.

Analogy

Imagine if two siblings had to share a bedroom but still wanted their individual spaces. They might put up a curtain or divider down the middle - they're technically sharing one room (or monarchy), but each has their own side with its own rules (separate parliaments).

Related terms

Compromise of 1867 (Ausgleich): An agreement that created the Dual Monarchy by giving Hungary more autonomy while keeping it tied to Austria under one ruler.

Magyarization: A policy aimed at assimilating all citizens of Hungary into Magyars (Hungarians). This policy was implemented after the establishment of dual monarchy.

Franz Joseph I: He was Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary, and monarch of other states in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, from 2 December 1848 until his death on 21 November 1916.