A-H in WWII

Since my forte isn't WWI, I'm not sure how likely this is. I am, however, expecting some members to come and correct me on some assumptions I'm making. Nevertheless, what would WWII be like with the continued existence of the Austro-Hungarian Empire? The most likely POD would be a WWI where the Central Powers won, but is there any way where we can have the CPs still lose and the A-H Empire still exist?

Although I'm sure discussion of that will be popular, the main point of this thread is what effect the A-H Empire would have on WWII. Hitler would have a much harder time with the Anschluss and the annexation of Czechoslovakia for obvious reasons, depending on the size of the A-H Empire.

What side would the Austro-Hungarians end up on? Would its existence crimp Hitler's style to the point where WWII is irrecoverably changed?
 
Since my forte isn't WWI, I'm not sure how likely this is. I am, however, expecting some members to come and correct me on some assumptions I'm making. Nevertheless, what would WWII be like with the continued existence of the Austro-Hungarian Empire? The most likely POD would be a WWI where the Central Powers won, but is there any way where we can have the CPs still lose and the A-H Empire still exist?

Although I'm sure discussion of that will be popular, the main point of this thread is what effect the A-H Empire would have on WWII. Hitler would have a much harder time with the Anschluss and the annexation of Czechoslovakia for obvious reasons, depending on the size of the A-H Empire.

What side would the Austro-Hungarians end up on? Would its existence crimp Hitler's style to the point where WWII is irrecoverably changed?

Hannibal.Caesar

I did read that after coming to the throne Emperor Karl tried negotiating a peace deal because he realised the empire needed it. When Germany wasn't interested in a general peace he tried negotiating a separate one will the allies. Not sure this would have been possible with the degree of Austrian dependence on Germany at the time but if it had occurred, you could have had a significant bloc providing greater stability both economic and political. It would also have been at loggerheads with Germany because one of the terms being discussed was that in return for ceding land to Serbia in the south Austria would have Silesia returned to it. This would both lock the Czechs into the empire and create a very powerful industrial centre.

Under those circumstances a Paris- Vienna access could well make any German threat to the stability of Europe even more difficult than OTL.

Steve
 
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