Treaty of Saint Germain: Mixed Solutions?

The Treaty of Saint Germain, signed in 1919, is often regarded as a pivotal moment in European history. While it did achieve certain objectives, such as officially recognizing the breakup of the Habsburg empire and establishing the independence of several nations, it also created a host of problems that plagued Europe for years to come. In this essay, I will argue that the Treaty of Saint Germain created more problems than it solved.

One of the achievements of the treaty was the recognition of the independence of Czechoslovakia, Poland, Hungary, and the Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (Yugoslavia). This was a significant step towards self-determination for these nations, as they were able to establish their own governments and assert their sovereignty. Additionally, the treaty ceded various territories, such as eastern Galicia, Trento, southern Tirol, Trieste, and Istria, through plebiscites, which allowed the local populations to determine their own fate.

Furthermore, the inclusion of the Covenant of the League of Nations in the treaty was a positive development. This international organization aimed to promote peace and prevent future conflicts. By integrating the League of Nations into the treaty, the signatories demonstrated their commitment to maintaining stability and resolving disputes through diplomatic means.

However, despite these achievements, the Treaty of Saint Germain also gave rise to numerous problems. Austrian officials protested against the violation of the principle of self-determination, as many ethnic Germans were placed under Czechoslovak and Italian rule. This led to tensions and conflicts within these regions, as the minority populations felt marginalized and oppressed.

Moreover, the forbiddance of Austria's unity with Germany created a sense of resentment and instability. The Austria created by the treaty was financially and militarily weak, which made it a chronic force of instability in Europe between the two World Wars. The country declared bankruptcy in 1923, further exacerbating its economic and political challenges.

Additionally, the successor states of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, including Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia, faced significant difficulties in governing their diverse populations. These states had significant minority populations, which often led to political instability and conflicts. Furthermore, the breakup of the A-H Empire disrupted the integral infrastructure and economic ties, causing economic weakness and hindering development.

In conclusion, while the Treaty of Saint Germain achieved certain objectives, such as recognizing the independence of several nations and establishing the League of Nations, it also created a myriad of problems. The violation of the principle of self-determination, the economic and military weakness of Austria, and the political instability in the successor states were all consequences of this treaty. Therefore, it can be argued that the Treaty of Saint Germain created more problems than it solved, leaving a lasting impact on Europe in the interwar period.