Die Staatsrechtlichen Fragen, die der Wiener Hof bei der Integration Siebenbürgens in der Habsburgischen Monarchie Erledigen Musste

• Main Author: Marinel Ovidiu Koch-Tufiş
• Format: Article
• Language: deu
• Published: Stefan cel Mare University of Suceava 2015-12-01
• Series: Codrul Cosminului
• Subjects: Habsburgs; Transylvania; Integration; Monarchy; state law
• Online Access: http://atlas.usv.ro/www/codru_net/CC21/2/statelaw.pdf

After the military occupation of Transylvania by the Habsburg troops, in 1688, the Viennese Court dealt, among other things, with solving the most important issues of state law related to the former autonomous Principality of Transylvania: the establishment of a new international status of the Principality, the form of integration of Transylvania into the Habsburg Monarchy – through the unification of Principality with the Kingdom of Hungary, respectively through its integration as a freestanding province – and not ultimately, the decision on whether or not to keep the status of Principality of Transylvania. The establishment of the Principality’s new international status has been achieved through diplomatic negotiations with the Prince of Transylvania Michael (Mihai) Apafi 1st, with the representatives of Transylvanian general assemblies, respectively with the Ottoman Empire. By the Statement of the 9th May 1688, the Transylvanian Diet renounced Ottoman Porte suzerainty, accepting the Habsburgs’ suzerainty and protection. In its turn, through the Treaty of Peace concluded in Karlowitz in 1699, the Ottoman Empire, forced by its unfavorable military situation, renounced the suzerainty over Transylvania Principality and recognized its annexation to the Habsburg Monarchy. Wanting to decrease the political power and influence of the general assemblies of Hungary, the Viennese Court opposed their intention to integrate Transylvania into the Kingdom of Hungary. As a result, Transylvania became part of the Habsburg Empire, not as a possession of Kingdom of Hungary, but as a freestanding province. In addition, the Habsburgs decided to preserve the status of Principality of Transylvania. In order to emphasize the individuality of this province against the Kingdom of Hungary, the Principality of Transylvania was proclaimed by Viennese Curt, in 1765, a Grand Principality. Obviously, this contributed to enhancing the prestige of Transylvania, as well as that of the Habsburg Monarchs, who henceforth bore the title of Grand Princes of Transylvania.