Treaty of Trianon

Quick Facts: Who was Treaty of Trianon?

Subject:

Treaty of Trianon

Known for:

The 1920 treaty that drastically redrew Hungary's borders after World War I.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Treaty of Trianon (French: Traité de Trianon; Hungarian: Trianoni békediktátum; Italian: Trattato del Trianon; Romanian: Tratatul de la Trianon), often referred to in Hungary as the Peace Dictate of Trianon or Dictate of Trianon, was prepared at the Paris Peace Conference. It was signed in the Grand Trianon at Versailles on 4 June 1920, and formally terminated World War I between most of the Allies of World War I and the Kingdom of Hungary. The treaty is known for the territorial changes imposed on Hungary and recognition of its new borders after World War I. As part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Hungary had been involved in World War I since August 1914. After its allies signed armistices with the Entente, the political elite in Budapest also opted to end the war. On 31 October 1918, the Budapest government declared independence of Hungary from Austria and began peace talks with the Allies which led to an armistice on 13 November 1918.

Career & Major Achievements

Hungary demobilised its army and granted the Allies the right to occupy the country's south and east until a peace treaty was signed. In December 1918, Budapest allowed Czechoslovak troops to occupy the country's north. In exchange, Budapest hoped to reopen trade and a supply of coal. Despite the end of hostilities, Hungary's neighbours Czechoslovakia, Romania, and The Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes blockaded the country, preventing it from importing food, fuel, and other important goods. Successive Hungarian governments pleaded with the Entente to lift the blockade.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In April 1919, Romania and Czechoslovakia moved their armies further into Hungary, provoking a renewal of hostilities. In June, the Entente ordered them to cease fighting and accept new demarcation lines that would be guaranteed as the future borders of Hungary. Romania ignored the order, however the Entente orchestrated the formation of a new government which was invited to attend the Paris Peace Conference. The treaty, received in January 1920, legalized the existing demarcation lines as the new borders, guaranteed the end of the blockade and restoration of trade between the former Habsburg lands, as well as importing of coal into Hungary. The treaty was dictated by the Allies rather than negotiated, and Hungary faced a decision to accept or reject it in full.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1914: 1914 Milestone — As part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Hungary had been involved in World War I since August 1914.
2. 1918: 1918 Milestone — On 31 October 1918, the Budapest government declared independence of Hungary from Austria and began peace talks with the Allies which led to an armistice on 13 November 1918.
3. 1919: 1919 Milestone — In April 1919, Romania and Czechoslovakia moved their armies further into Hungary, provoking a renewal of hostilities.
4. 1920: 1920 Milestone — It was signed in the Grand Trianon at Versailles on 4 June 1920, and formally terminated World War I between most of the Allies of World War I and the Kingdom of Hungary.

Notable Quotes by Treaty of Trianon

“"We have lost the war. Now the main thing is not to lose the peace."”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Treaty of Trianon

True or False: “The Treaty of Trianon was negotiated by Hungary as an equal partner among the Allied powers.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The treaty was dictated by the Allies rather than being a result of negotiation, forcing the Hungarian delegation to sign it under protest.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abraham Kuyper — Historical peer (Died in 1920) (1920): Influential neo-Calvinist pastor, journalist, and Prime Minister of the Netherlands.
• Ahmad bin Ali Al Thani — Historical peer (Born in 1920) (1920): Emir of Qatar (1960–1972) whose reign oversaw the nation's oil boom and independence.
• Abdul-Karim Qasim — Historical peer (Born in 1914) (1914): Iraqi military officer who led the country as Prime Minister from 1958 to 1963.
• Adolph Green — Historical peer (Born in 1914) (1914): American lyricist and playwright known for his long-running, witty partnership with Betty Comden.
• Abdul Hamid II — Historical peer (Died in 1918) (1918): Last effective Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, navigating decline and constitutional upheaval.
• Abraham Pais — Historical peer (Born in 1918) (1918): Pioneering physicist and acclaimed science historian of modern physics.
• Adelina Patti — Historical peer (Died in 1919) (1919): Legendary Spanish-Italian soprano renowned for her bel canto technique and lyrical voice.
• Ahmed Abdallah — Historical peer (Born in 1919) (1919): Comorian politician who served as President of the Comoros from 1978 to 1989.

Frequently Asked Questions about Treaty of Trianon