The System of Governance and Economic Measures of the Austro-Hungarian Authorities on the Occupied Khotyn Region in 1918

Abstract

The study highlights the attempt to characterise the main measures of the Austro-Hungarian authorities in the Khotyn region in the managerial and economic areas during spring – autumn 1918. It is discovered the reasons and circumstances of the occupation of the region by the Austrian troops. It is revealed the establishment of the control system over the occupied territory. In particular, all orders of the legislative and managerial nature of the local authorities were issued solely with the consent of the Austrian command, and any meetings and assemblies were prohibited. Attention is drawn to the implementation of measures in the area of food policy and land issues in 1918. A Food Commission was established to determine the amount of food for the local population and food intended for export to Austria-Hungary. However, the requirements of the Austro-Hungarian military authorities to remove the unnecessary amount of food was extremely difficult to meet in terms of a tangible lack of grain and products, even for the local population.

Keywords: Khotyn region, Austro-Hungarian occupation, General Command, requisition