What did francis Joseph to achieve by breaking his empire into two states?

By breaking his empire into two states, Francis Joseph aimed to stabilize the Austro-Hungarian Empire and address the rising nationalist movements within his diverse realms. The establishment of the Dual Monarchy in 1867 allowed for greater autonomy for Hungary, which helped to placate Hungarian nationalists and maintain loyalty to the empire. This arrangement also sought to improve governance and administration by allowing each half of the empire to manage its own internal affairs while still being united under a single monarch. Ultimately, this decision sought to preserve the empire's integrity amid increasing ethnic tensions and demands for self-determination.