Nationalities in Austria-Hungary

Austria-Hungary, a vast empire (1867–1918), was a multi-ethnic state comprising many nationalities, each with its own language, culture, and identity. Major groups included Germans in Austria, Hungarians, Czechs, Slovaks, Poles, Ukrainians, Croats, Serbs, Romanians, Italians, and Ruthenians. These diverse groups often sought greater autonomy, influencing political dynamics. The empire's complex nationalities structure contributed to internal tensions and ultimately played a role in its dissolution after World War I. Recognizing and managing these diverse identities was a persistent challenge for Austro-Hungarian governance.