Positive And Negative Influences Of The Hunagrian Empire

The Hunagrian Empire went through several times with both positive and negative influences. One of the most significant influences includes, Empress Elisabeth, “Sisi.” Though she was known for staying out of the public eye, she still greatly impacted Hungary, deemed as a figure of respect to this day. Elisabeth accompanied her mother and to Bad Ischl, where they met their cousin, 23-year-old Emperor Franz Josef, in 1853 when Elisabeth was sixteen. Although Helene was supposed to be the bride, Franz Josef instead became infatuated with Elisabeth, and eight months later, on April 24, 1854, married her in the St. Augustine Church of Vienna. Despite the lengthy preparations and teachings Elisabeth received for her new position as Empress of
Her frequent visits there allowed her to truly enjoy the more relaxed atmosphere. Escaping her often restless and extravagant environment in Hungary made Sisi even more apt to visit there, continuing with her work. Because Sisi knew what it was like to be stripped of her authentic and original self, she was able to empathize and relate with the Hungarian people’s pursuit for liberty, all while longing for her own. She was able to constantly advocate for Hungary and the rights of its people, by speaking with her regal husband. Her devotion and passion for this country were displayed in both her political and private engagements. Against the will of the Viennese court, Sisi even used her personal engagement to assist Hungary to its former condition of 1848. This action became a milestone in world history
According to Max Falk, editor of Hungary’s leading German language periodical, Sisi’s political scheme stressed Austro-Hungarian rapprochement despite of the increased hostility. She was able to identify an element of strength for the Habsburg dynasty (Falk). Falk also notes how the Empress “anticipated and acknowledged the strategic significance of the Hungarian Crownlands” (Falk). Gyula Andrássy, the renowned Hungarian politician and eventual Foreign Minister of Austria-Hungary, worked with Elisabeth to lobby for the Emperor in favor of national unification. Andrássy, along with and his more moderate supporters also supported Hungarian independence within the Habsburg Empire. As it was seen above, Elisabeth had a strong impact on Emperor Joseph, but did not have the ability or power to personally enact legislation or pass decrees (VanDenmark). However, Elisabeth still managed to appease the political and cultural turmoil that lurked over the Hungarian territories for quite a bit of time. This appeasement inspired a new sense of nationalism in the defeated