Original: The Habsburg monarch ruled as Emperor of Austria over the western and northern half of the country that was the Empire of Austria ( Cisleithania or Lands represented in the Reichsrat ) Britannica 1911 and as King of Hungary over the Kingdom of Hungary ( Transleithania or Lands of St Stephen 's Crown ) which enjoyed self-government and representation in joint affairs ( principally foreign relations and defense ) .
Simplified: The Habsburg dynasty ruled as emperors of Austria over the western and northern half of the country and as kings of Hungary over the Kingdom of Hungary .