Essay 

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Indent The rise of the Austro Hungarian empire came about because of a strong political structure as well as a rapid exploitation of abundant natural resources and a cultural renaissance. The lesson that can be learned from the Austro Hungarian Empire is that all great empires rise quickly and fall quickly. Its ascent to power was quick and like many other ancient empires such as the Roman Empire, its growth depended much on its citizens, and the means by which they prospered. The Austro-Hungarian Empire could also be compared to more modern empires such as the United States and even the modern day corporation. The political restructuring that was initiated in 1848 would lead to the strengthening of the Austro- Hungarian Empire as a whole. The economic boom seen during the industrial revolution contributed to the rise of the Empire and its internal prosperity as new technologies, both military and domestic created strong infrastructure. There were not only technological innovation but also a cultural renewal of the arts. indent Firstly, the initial rise of the Austro-Hungarian Empire was sparked by political change. The Empire in 1848 was a centralized autocratic government. In the same year, the feudal system or Manorialism, that was used in almost every state in Europe was abolished. In 1859 Emperor Franz Joseph establishes the Imperial Parliament. The Upper House was nominated and the Lower House elected by the people. The formula for electing representatives to provide electoral representation for all ethnic nationalities was too complicated. This was controversial as it ensured the election of a German speaking majority alienating ethnic minorities, especially Hungarians. This along with the Austro-Prussian war created instability. However, this was solved in 1867 by the negotiated compromise of the Dual Monarchy. The Dual Monarchy gave each part of the empire a constitution, legislature and governmental infrastructure for domestic affairs. This consolidated the political power and brought back a stable means of governance in the Empire. The key to a fully functioning strong Empire, was a strong political system. indent Secondly, the exploitation of the natural resources found in the Empire combined with the new innovations brought forth by the industrial revolution further strengthened the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The Alpine regions held large deposits of Iron ore and other minerals, which were easily accessibly for mining. The fields were fertile and adequate for growing a variety of crops. There were acres upon acres of forest that were perfect for harvesting lumber. The political stability brought about by Franz Joseph created the necessary infrastructure for economic development. The ports were strengthened and the inner water ways such as the Danube river as well as many other canals were used to transport people and products around the empire and the surrounding regions. The innovations in production techniques and the products themselves laid the framework for further economic expansion. The new technologies for production both in the field and the factory brought about a great deal of wealth for both the upper and lower classes. indent Thirdly, the Austro-Hungarian Empire went through a period of cultural renaissance. The efficient transportation and communications brought about the democratization of culture. With the prosperity achieved through the economic and political successes mentioned above more people had disposable income. More people were able to enjoy music, art and theatre because of a higher standard of living. Musicians, such as Offenbach, Liszt, Rossini and Schiller, were making a great deal of money during this time. Literature becomes a trade and more writers and theorists start to voice their opinions. New technological developments in printing and photography in the industrial revolution helped to bring forth new ideas about writing, literature and newsprint. With the new technologies, from pianos to printing the literature and music in the Austro-Hungarian Empire flourished. The middle class could now afford what was before a luxury of only the upper classes. This strengthened the socio-economic statuses of the lower classes of the Empire. If the lower classes are happy, then there is far less of a possibility of revolt from the bottom tiers. indent In conclusion, the lesson learned by the rise of the Austro-Hungarian Empire is that all Empires have a life span. It achieved the success it did because of progress in the political, economic and social fields. The abolishment of the feudal system, and the institution of a more efficient means of governance along with the cultural renaissance and the exploitation of natural resources led to its success. The industrial revolution created the wealth that led to the cultural renaissance seen in the Austro-Hungarian Empire during the 19th century.