The Republic of Heinzenland was a short-lived and unrecognized nation in the region now known as the Austrian federal state of Burgenland, aimed at protecting the German-speaking population in Western Hungary. The state was a direct result of the disputes in Central Europe following the First World War on the future of Burgenland under either Austrian or Hungarian control. Its main leader was Social Democratic politician Hans Suchard. Due to its short life, it is known as the "Two-day Republic".
Etymology
The name "Heinzenland" is derived from the German name for Western Hungary, Heanzenland, Hianzenland, or Hoanzenland. The name "Heanzen" or any variation of it in local dialects referred to German settlers in Western Hungary, who immigrated from Bavaria and other parts of Germany to Hungary while keeping their own dialects. There are different theories as to why the Heinzen was used. It may have been used to mock this group of German-speakers for their deviation from the Bavarianhiaz, instead using hianz. It might also have been derived from the common name Heinz, or from the followers of Henry II, Duke of Bavaria, Henry I Kőszegi, or Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor, under whose reigns the settlers came.
The Two-Day Republic
On December 5th, 1918, two weeks after the German-Austrian Provisional National Assembly demanded the self-determination of German-speaking settlements in Western Hungary, Social Democratic politician Hans Suchard, with the help of workers and local Social Democrats in Mattersburg, proclaimed the Republic of Heinzenland. This was done, apparently, without sufficient knowledge of power relations in the region. This might have been done to bring the German-speaking parts of Western Hungary under Austrian control. However, one day later, the Hungarian military and Sopron vigilantes put an end to the Republic, quickly occupying its territory. Suchard was arrested and sentenced to death. However, the verdict was not enforced and Suchard was not executed.
