What if Austria-Hungary Joined the Entente?

As I'm sure most of you already know, before Germany first united into the German Empire in 1871, it was just a patchwork of states that was largely dominated by Austria. But, after Prussia rose to power, and kicked Austria out of Germany completely, Austria, for some reason, didn't hold a grudge, but, instead, became allies with Germany as the Central Powers. Why? And, what if, in an alternate timeline, Austria never let go of their grudge against Prussia, and, instead, joined the Entente?

MUSIC:

Video Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:36 Background
5:35 Scenario

[franzxaverjosephconradgraf]

It's even more funny that the Austrians and the Ottomans after fighting each other for centuries eventually fought together on the same side in their last great struggle and at the end both ancient empires died together

[MonsieurDean]

What if Austria Hungary was made of chocolate? 🍫

[msmith]

Last time I was this early the Holy Roman Empire still existed.

[cannibalia]

I like how the title and end of the scenario implies that Austria joining the entente causes them to loose

[Wendeta-hqcp]

I mean it also depends on how quickly the tension builds. Franz Ferdinand wanted to reform the Empire and, while there would be tension, I think he would end up creating not just a triple crown (like originally planned), but a quituple one like Karl I proposed.

Croatia-Slovenia would essentially be allowed their Illyrian aspirations, Galicia would have its own culture super charged, Bohemia would be able to potentially industrialize the empire faster and Hungary could double down on being the breadbasket of the Empire.

Furthermore, such reforms would streamline the Parliamentary structure, allowing for more effective decision making, allowing Austria to potentially hold out until France kicks Italy's butt and arrives to aid the Austrians, with Britain more than likely doing the tried and true naval blockade strategy.

*Edit for critics:* The idea that I came up with would imply that the country would have a much tighter federal constitution and parliament from the start, perhaps even creating a supranational senate house to deal with legislation at the level of the entire country, as opposed to the Austria-Hungary model which essentially made Hungary an independent entity. Also the reason I argued it would 5 kingdoms is because only making 3 would cause dissent in Bohemia and Galicia (the latter especially). The idea is that, by having 5 kingdoms, no stalemate can occur. Also let's not forget that the 5 kingdoms idea was something that Karl I had proposed so as to save the monarchy.

[thenomad]

Honestly would love to see a continuation of this video. It has a ton of potential imo

[peerb]

I feel austro-hungary always gets a bed rep for being 'too divided' whilst most empire like the Roman, Arabian, Mongolian etc. etc. were all very ethnically divided. The biggest mistake they made was not playing the sides against each other

[cristianbalan]

Well the Hungarian crown was opposed to any reform propose to help modernise the empire.
As a Romanian, I can safely put all the World's blame on Hunagrians and be happy

[PGJ]

As a Dane, the second Schleswig war is deffo worth mentioning 🥲

[VigiooLante]

This is probably my FAVORITE alternative history that i ever seen.

[ultrabeargames]

"Possible history doesn't make realistic content"

meanwhile Josh Sullivan History:

[Venezuelanmapper]

Do one but if Germany Betrayed Austria Not like joining the entente but Like invading Austria with Italy and Romania

[ohkyle]

So basically anyone who has austria-hungary loses

[galatheumbreon]

I always wanted to know how this would pan out, thank you for doing this very video

[ayyybob]

To be honest, this feels more like a "what if Britain and France joined the central powers and Germany joined the entente?" Especially looking at the alliances map

[BurgerMeister]

What if the BurgerMeister didn't do what he did

[KaiserAiden]

I asked for this exact scenario in a previous video, thanks. Love your content

[danielsantiagourtado]

Amazing work as always josh! Idea: What if Carlos II is born healthy?

[lmperialist-Royalist]

This is the video that I have been searching for

[evanneal]

Also, you forgot to mention the USA in your scenario. Remember that if Britain took out the same loans from the usa to fund the war as in our timeline, (which they would have if they weren't defeated very quickly, which was very unlikely)then the US would join the entente on Britain's side just like in our timeline, to make sure they get their money back... you should have accounted for that in this video as well... it would have made things very interesting and looked even more different.