AUSTRIA IN THE 19TH CENTURY
After Napoleon's defeat in 1815 Klemens Metternich the Foreign Minister became the leading figure in Austrian politics. He introduced a repressive regime opposed to liberal ideas. However despite the repression the Austria prospered and by the mid-19th century industrialisation was taking place in some areas.
Yet during the 19th century nationalism was a growing force in the Austrian Empire. The various peoples such as the Hungarians and the Czechs became increasingly dissatisfied with Austrian rule.
Then in 1848 a wave of revolutions washed across Europe including the Austrian Empire. Metternich resigned and at first the Emperor made concessions. However the army remained loyal and the Emperor Ferdinand I abdicated in favour of his nephew Franz Joseph. The new emperor restored absolute rule in Austria and the old order returned.
However Austria was defeated by France in a war in 1859. She was also defeated by Prussia in 1866. After that Austria ceased to be the dominant power in Central Europe. That role passed to Prussia.
After the war, in 1867, the Austrian Empire was split into two parts. It became the Austro-Hungarian Empire consisting of Austria on one side and Hungary on the other. Both were ruled by the same Emperor.
In the late 19th century industry in the Vienna area grew rapidly. Furthermore railways were built across the empire. However the various ethnic groups in the Austro-Hungarian Empire still yearned for independence