Dual Monarchy

The Dual Monarchy refers to the political arrangement between Austria and Hungary from 1867 to 1918, where both nations shared the same monarch but had their own governments. Emperor Franz Joseph I ruled both countries, but each had distinct political systems and policies. This setup allowed Hungary greater autonomy while keeping the empire united under a single crown. The arrangement aimed to balance the interests of diverse ethnic groups within the empire, addressing nationalistic aspirations while maintaining imperial stability. However, tensions persisted, ultimately contributing to the empire's downfall after World War I.