Did Karl I attempt to take control of Austria after losing his crown as king of Hungary? Yes, Karl I of Austria (also known as Charles I of Austria and Charles IV of Hungary) made two significant attempts to regain control of Hungary after losing his throne at the end of World War I. These attempts, known as the “Restoration Attempts,” took place in 1921.
First Attempt (March 1921):
Karl I traveled incognito to Hungary and attempted to rally support for his restoration among Hungarian monarchists. He sought the assistance of Regent Miklós Horthy, but Horthy was not supportive, citing the opposition of the Allies and potential internal unrest. As a result, Karl was forced to leave Hungary and return to exile.
Second Attempt (October 1921):
Karl I made a second attempt to regain the Hungarian throne. He entered Hungary with the backing of some loyalist troops and even managed to establish a temporary base. However, this attempt also failed due to strong opposition from Regent Horthy, the Hungarian government, and the lack of support from the Allied powers. After a brief period of armed conflict, Karl was arrested and subsequently sent into exile on the Portuguese island of Madeira.
Karl I’s efforts to reclaim the Hungarian throne highlight the complexities and difficulties faced by deposed monarchs in the post-World War I era, particularly in the face of opposition from both domestic and international forces. These attempts did not involve any direct effort to take control of Austria itself, as Austria had become a republic and was firmly opposed to the restoration of the Habsburg monarchy.
