Europe during the late nineteenth century?

Question

How did the situations in Russia and Austria in the late nineteenth century differ from those in most other Western European countries?

Answer 1

They were both still absolute monarchies. The late 19th century in Europe was a time leading up to the greatest war in history to that time (at least in the Western world). There are many problems with one person absolute rule, but the chief one at this time was that one man, the aged Austrian emperor, could start a war without checking with an elected legislature. Franz Joseph was almost 84 years old, and he had ruled as emperor of the Austrian-Hungarian empire for 66 years by 1914.
In Russia, the Czar (Nicholas II) could mobilize the army without checking with anyone. Those two factors contributed greatly to the start of the "Great War" (WWI) in 1914, and we know that the chief cause of WWII in Europe was WWI.
Of course Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany receives his share
of the blame for WWI - another absolute monarchy.

The major powers on the other side in WWI were Britain and France, both ruled by elected officials (though Britain had - -
and still has - - a nominal monarch).
Absolute monarchies are dangerous in the extreme - - as is absolute power in a dictator such as Hitler or Stalin.
Despite present day complaints in the USA, U.S. presidents have never had absolute power. There have been checks and balances in the U.S. government since the country began in 1787.

Answer 2

I am not sure about Russia but in Austria the Hapsburg Empire was on its deathbed (the Hapsburg family had ruled Austria since 1282). Also, during the late nineteenth century Vienna was reaching a cultural peak. A lot of famous and influential people would come from this time period in Austrian history.

Answer 3

Russia isn't an 'other' country in Western Europe. And Austria is in Central Europe ...

Answer 4

I agree with the guy that said tea. There was a huge demand for it back then.