12. U.S.–Hungarian relations in history Flashcards
What was the significance of the Ausgleich of 1867 regarding Hungary’s foreign relations?
The Ausgleich of 1867 granted Hungary internal autonomy within the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but external affairs remained under the control of the Emperor of Austria, limiting Hungary’s ability to establish independent foreign relations.
What role did American companies play in Hungary’s economy during the interwar period?
American investments played a role in Hungary’s economic reconstruction during the 1920s, and the discovery of petroleum by American companies in the 1930s enhanced economic ties between the two nations.
How did the United States initially view Hungary’s government after World War II, and how did this perspective change?
The U.S. initially had a favorable view of the Hungarian government after WWII, but this changed due to growing Soviet and Communist influence, leading to tensions and restrictions on U.S. personnel.
What was the Marshall Plan and how did the Soviet Union’s actions affect Hungary’s participation in it?
The Marshall Plan was a U.S. initiative for European economic recovery. The Soviet Union rejected it and forced its satellite states, including Hungary, to do the same, denying Hungary economic benefits and leading to its dependence on the Soviet Union.
What was the “building bridges” policy of the 1960s and 1970s regarding U.S.-Hungarian relations?
The “building bridges” policy aimed to soften U.S. policy towards Hungary and other Eastern European regimes by shifting from a “roll-back” approach to fostering gradual independence from Moscow through economic and cultural relations.
According to the article, why did Joe Biden mention Viktor Orbán during his interview?
Joe Biden mentioned Viktor Orbán as an example of a world leader who, along with Vladimir Putin, would prefer Donald Trump to be the President of the United States, as opposed to other democratic leaders.
What is the Treaty of Trianon and what impact did it have on Hungary and U.S.-Hungarian relations?
The Treaty of Trianon defined Hungary’s post-WWI boundaries, resulting in Hungary losing much of its territory and population, fostering a desire for revision and causing discontent in the country, while the U.S. did not support Hungarian revisionist aims.
What is meant by Hungary’s “illiberal state” as described in the articles?
The “illiberal state” refers to Viktor Orbán’s style of rule in which he maintains power through electoral wins, while allegedly undermining democratic checks and balances, leading critics to consider him an elected autocrat.
Why did the US defer the $700,000 grant for independent media outlets in Hungary?
The US deferred the grant because high-level contacts were re-established between the two countries and there was no desire to criticize Hungary publicly, despite reports of democratic backsliding.
According to Szijjártó Péter, how did David Pressman allegedly damage the relationship between the US and Hungary and what will change now that he has left?
Szijjártó Péter claims that David Pressman’s actions led to a historic low in Hungarian-American relations due to his actions pushing Hungary into war, gender ideology, and EU migration policies. He suggests a new era will start with the new American administration with strong political ties between the two countries’ leaders.
Ausgleich
(1867) The Austro-Hungarian Compromise that established the dual monarchy of Austria-Hungary, granting Hungary significant internal autonomy but retaining imperial control over foreign policy.
Treaty of Trianon
(1920, June 04.): The post-World War I treaty that defined Hungary’s borders, leading to the loss of significant territory and population and causing lasting resentment in Hungary.
Tripartite Pact:
An agreement signed by Germany, Italy, and Japan during World War II, which Hungary joined, aligning itself with the Axis powers.
Marshall Plan:
A U.S. program of economic assistance to help rebuild European economies after World War II; Hungary was excluded due to Soviet influence.
Détente
A period of easing of Cold War tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, which resulted in improved trade and cultural relations between the U.S. and Hungary, as well.
Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) Status
A trade agreement under which a country grants another country the best trade terms it offers to any other nation; Hungary sought this status with the U.S.
“Illiberal State”
Refers to a form of government that, while using democratic processes such as elections, undermines democratic checks and balances, leading to authoritarian-like rule, as described by critics of Viktor Orbán’s government.
Revisionism:
The political desire or policy of re-examining and often reversing or altering past decisions or territorial arrangements, as in Hungary’s desire to revise the Treaty of Trianon.
NATO
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a military alliance formed after World War II, which Hungary joined in 1999
“Building Bridges”
A policy adopted by the U.S. during Détente, focused on improving relations with Eastern European countries like Hungary to encourage their independence from Moscow.
