Austrian Colonialism

Introduction

The Austrian colonies on Magellania are the colonies of the Austrian Empire and the later Austro-Hungarian Empire. The foundation of the Austrian colonies are the original claims of the house of Habsburg during the Spanish Empire. 

Origins

Unlike most other European powers, the Austrian Empire had little to no interest in oversea colonies. As such, the Austrians did not even acquire their colonies on their own, but they were gifted to them by the British in 1740. During the War of Spanish Succession, the British had acquired several former Spanish colonies. These colonies were for the most part poor and sparsely populated, and there were no indigenous states present that would create important vassals. 

During the Austrian War of Succession, the British backed the claims of Maria Theresia and as a sign of friendship, gifted the Habsburg Empress, several of the former Spanish possessions. Two colonies were formed from this, Maximilienland and Neukärnten (New Carinthia). The former Spanish city of Kumata was renamed into Kaumasdorf-am-Maximilienkap. Additionally a new port town, Theresienburg, was founded. Despite these initial efforts, Austrian presence on Magellania remained minimal. Most of the inhabitants of their colonies were Spaniards, Mestizos and indigenous Magellanians.

Habsburg Oversea Empire

During the Great War (1864-1875) Spanish and French Pro-Habsburg loyalists install Maximilian I. as Emperor of Mexico. This creates the foundation for a new Habsburg Empire at the far side of the world. In 1872 the new Habsburg Empire takes control of the colony of Nueva Tlaxcalla, which had been in a state of autonomy since the independence of Mexico in 1821. 

Through their amicable relations, the new Habsburg Empire also got involved in the Austrian colonies in Magellania. Although Neukärnten and Maximilienland remained under Austrian rule, most of its trade and foreign relations were funneled through the Mexican Habsburgs.