1919/1917, Tianjien

Austria-Hungary was different from the other European empires. Spain, France, Britain, Portugal, Belgium and the Netherlands had colonies in Africa, Asia and the Americas. Eventually, Germany and Italy joined them in exploiting the world. The Habsburgs on the other hand built their empire in Europe. But even in Vienna, the ruling classes harboured colonial ambitions and there had been regular expeditions since the days of Maria Theresa. After imperial powers fought Chinese indepence successfully, Austria-Hungary controlled a small “concession” in the city of Tianjien. From 1901 to 1917, this city quarter was under Austro-Hungarian jurisdiction.