History of Austria

The name Ostarrîchi (popular name, of Latin Went orientalis , the Marche of the east) is documented in an act for the first time into 996 and is at the origin of the name Österreich (Austria in German). The Latinized form of Austria gives the French word Austria.

Already populated by the Celtic (Civilization of Hallstatt), pertaining to the Roman Empire (Provinces Norique as well as part of the Pannonia and Rhétie) then partly had by the Eastern Francie, Austria is during all the Middle Ages one of the many principalities Germanophones composing the Saint Germanic Roman Empire. Thanks to the Privilegium Washout and the House of Babenberg, independent of the Bavaria since 1156, Austria adopted by the house of Habsbourg in 1278 (Rodolphe Ier) was the dominant force of the Empire a long time, placing at its head much of its sovereigns, until his dissolution in 1806 by the Austrian double-emperor François II/I.

At the end of the Middle Ages the house of Habsbourg (later Habsbourg-Lorraine) transforms its possessions into European power by fastening of the countries German-speaking and not-German-speaking, centralizes the administration and the right in the Archiduché of Austria - in particular after the War of succession of Austria by Marie-Therese and their son Joseph II - and forms finally in 1804 the Empire of Austria. In 1815 - after the Congress of Vienna - German-speaking Austria and the other countries again try to form a German Confédération, but the opposition austro-Prussian dominates, therefore the Guerre austro-Prussian completes this confederation in 1866 and résoud the German question definitively on behalf of Austria. Thus in 1867 Austria, under the reign of François-Joseph Ier turns to the south-east of Europe so that the Empire of Austria changes and increases to form the Danubian monarchy (German: Donaumonarchie ), the Austria-Hungary.

Antiquity and Early middle ages

Populated as of prehistoric times (Celtic in the Civilization of Hallstatt), the Austria made in the beginning left the called Roman provinces Norique, higher Pannonia and Rhétie. It was joined together with the Roman Empire under Tibère, about the year 33.

As from the 5th century, it was invaded in turn by the Huns, the Ostrogoths, the Boïens, the Vandales, the Longobards, and finally divided between the Bavarois and the Avares, until the time when Charlemagne drove out of them the Avars in 799 and united it in its states under the name of Austria or of Eastern walk .

In 928, Henri the Bird-catcher, wanting to oppose a barrier to the incursions of the Hungarian, sets up Austria in Margraviat. Othon Ier creates a new walk colonized by Bavarian and Rhenish families. In 955, Otton Ier demolishes the Hungarians with the Bataille of Lechfeld close to Augsburg. Following its victories vis-a-vis the Hungarians, Otton Ier restores the steps of the East (Ostmark), future Austria, in the south of Germanic whose Babenberg become the marquis until XIIIe century. The bishops of Salzburg, Freising and Passau constitute vast domains and create large monasteries like Melk and Saint-Polten. In 996, one sees for the first time appearing the name of Ostarrichi, whose Latinized form of Austria gives the name Austria. In 1002, a fortress is built close to the ruins of the old Roman city of Vindobona future the Vienna. Other cities develop such Linz, Innsbruck, Graz. German colonization overflows on the steps close to Carinthie and of Carniole but it is limited to the cities. The the Tyrol, on the other hand, remained divided into counties until XIIIe century. In 1246, the Habsbourg take possession of these steps which they preserved until 1918.

The Habsbourg

After the extinction of this family (1246), Austria passed between the hands of the emperor Frederic II, then in those of Ottokar II of Bohemia (1251), and after him in those of the emperor Rodolphe de Habsbourg. This last gave Austria to his/her son Albert (1282), whose descendants initially preserved it under the title of dukes, and, as from 1453, under that of Archiduc S.

The house of Habsbourg or Austria which, since Rodolphe, had already provided several emperors to Germany, saw this dignity becoming hereditary at it starting from the advent of Albert II, in 1438. At that time, Austria had already increased Styrie (1186), Carniole and hereditary fields of Rodolphe de Habsbourg, namely: the Alsace, the Souabe and the Swiss (1282); but, in 1307, Switzerland had made itself independent.

The marriage of Maximilien with Marie of Burgundy (1477) gave to the house of Austria the Netherlands and most of the Burgundy; the advent of Charles Quint united there the Spain with its immense possessions in the two worlds. The Reform Lutheran touches the Austrian States. Persecutions which the Protestants undergo involve various shifts in population. The Anabaptistes of the the Tyrol find refuge in Moravie, before leaving for North America. Nearly 100.000 Lutherans flee towards the towns of Germany, of Switzerland, of Sweden and in the Swedish Baltic provinces.

By the division of 1521 between Charles Quint and the Ferdinand archduke, his brother, the Netherlands and the circle of Burgundy échurent with the Spanish branch of Austria; Ferdinand preserved the archduchy of Austria and all its dependences, to which he united the Bohemia and the Hungary, then the Moravie, the Silesia and the Lusace. The Traité of Westphalia (1648) removed this last province, as well as the Alsace, in Austria, which repaired this loss by the acquisition of the Transylvania and the Croatia.

By the Treated of Utrecht (1713) and Rastadt (1714), Austria accepted like heritage of Charles II, king d' Espagne, the circle of Burgundy, the duchy of Mantoue, the Royaume of Naples and the Sardinia; in 1714, it exchanged this last kingdom against Sicily. After 1735, it returned the Deux-Siciles to infant gift Carlos and accepted in exchange Parma, Plaisance and Guastalla. At the XVIIIe century, the emperor Charles VI seeks to increase the population of Hungary by establishing Germans there. After the occupation of the Banat in 1718, German merchants and craftsmen and some fifteen thousand peasants of the Rhineland, Souabe and Franconie form a new Germanic core.

Habsbourg-Lorraine

In 1740, the male branch of the house of Austria being itself extinct its hereditary States échurent with Marie-Therese, girl of the emperor Charles VI, whose husband, François III of Lorraine, were, after long contentions, recognized emperor in 1745, under the name of François 1st, and became the chief of the new house of Austria-Lorraine. The empress Marie-Therese, concerned of agricultural progress, installs on the forty-five royal fields thousand colonists, of Bavarian inter alia. The Banat and the area close to Batschka are completely of German culture. Hundreds to two hundred and thousand German colonists are established in Austria between 1740 and 1780, in the search of more productive grounds. Joseph II confirms the privileges of the thirteen thousand German colonists benches in Galicie and Bucovine.

Austria had to since support against the Prussia the Guerre Seven Year old, which made him lose the Silesia (1756-63); it was compensated, at the time of the division of Poland (1772 and 1795), while being made allocate Galicie and Lodomirie, to which it joined since the territory of Cracow. In 1791, it entered, by the treated of Pillnitz, in the coalition against France, which attracted on it the greatest calamities: after having seen his capital occupied by the French, the emperor François II was constrained to give up under emperor of the Holy roman Empire in 1806, and to limit himself in his hereditary States, with the title of emperor of Austria , which it had granted in 1804.

Until this date, the Saint Germanic Roman Empire is the mode places from there in Austria. The currency of Habsbourg is indicated by AEIOU :

Latin AEIOU in : Austriae Is Imperare Orbi Universo : “It returns to Austria to order with the whole world”
German AEIOU in : Ales Erdreich STI Österreich Untertan : “All that is terrestrial is subjected to Austria”

The currency of Austria under Maximilien I {{er}} is the following one: Bleated manager allii, you Felix Austria nube! what amounts saying in French: “That the wars are carried out by the others, you, happy Austria, Marie! ”, the emperor Maximilien Ier following a policy of alliances very systematized. Thus Austria extends in an incredible way at the 16th century.

Empire of Austria

See also : Empire of Austria

The Metternich era

The wars of the Revolution and the Empire had removed in Austria most of its possessions in Germany and all Italy; but the Congrès of Vienna of 1814/1815 returned to him, except for the circle of Burgundy, whose loss was compensated by the provinces of Lombardy and Venezia in Italy. From 1815 to 1848, the Austrian political life is dominated by the personality of the Metternich chancellor who becomes starting from 1817 the principal minister of François Ier.

In September 1815, Metternich agrees to take part in the the Holy Alliance proposed with the preserving powers by the tsar Alexandre Ier: the sovereigns of Russia, Austria and Prussia, under the terms of the principle of Christianity, affirm their solidarity and promise assistance and mutual help. Metternich remained skeptic with respect to this alliance and saw in the renewal of the Pacte of Chaumont of 1814, in November 1815, a surer means to maintain the established order by the Congress of Vienna. The great powers promise to meet punctually in the form of conference and give each other the right to intervene in other countries to maintain the order. With the Congress of Troppau in December 1820, Austria receives the mandate to intervene against the Neapolitan revolution which threatens the interests of Austria. The Austrian army restores in Naples the absolute capacity of the king Ferdinand Ier de Bourbon and in April intervenes in Piedmont at the request of the king of Sardinia Victor-Amédée.

Los of the insurrection of the Greeks, Metternich refuses to intervene with the profit of the Christian insurrectionists because it wishes to maintain the status quo in the Balkans. Any modification in Balkans, according to him, would profit in Russia. It worries when Russia intervenes officially with the insurrectionists in 1828 but the Traité Turkey-red cotton maintains the principle of the integrity of the Ottoman Empire and contains the Russian push in Balkans.

The revolution of 1830 put badly has the system imposed by the preserving powers. Left France, it is propagated in the rest of Europe without Austria being able to always do something. Metternich does not intervene in the Belgian Crise insofar as it estimates that Belgium is too far and that it worries about Italy. He would have liked an intervention of the other powers but these last do not want to intervene without Austria. On the other hand, Metternich sends the Austrian army when the Romagna is raised against the the Holy See. The occupation of Romagna causes the intervention of France which threatens of an armed intervention if Austria does not withdraw its troops once the restored order. Metternich respects its promise but Romagnols are raised six months later so that it makes occupy Bologna. Casimir Perier then makes occupy Ancônes as long as the Austrian troops will not have to evacuate Bologna. The French presence in Italy is favourable with the liberal insurrections but these last are subdued by the concerned sovereigns their prerogatives. Paris refused to support the insurrectionists.

The movement liberal and national extended in the Germanic Confédération what worried Metternich which obtains easily the support of the king de Prusse Frederic-Guillaume III. Metternich manages to restore an authoritative policy in the States of the Confederation. Having needed the support of Prussia to subdue the liberals, Metternich could not react any more against the customs union - the Zollverein - which the Prussia organized in Germany of North. Metternich understood that the German States were going from now on to form a compact block directed by Prussia.

In the years 1840, the international system set up by Metternich is exhausted because of competition of the great powers. Austria and Prussia clash about the German unit. Austria and Russia clash about Balkans, Metternich wishing a statute-quo and the tsar wishing the dismemberment of the Ottoman Empire. Following the return of the liberals in Great Britain, the relationship between the two powers is degraded. This is why, Metternich starts a bringing together with France of Guizot, which applied a very preserving policy.

In interior policy, Metternich was not the Master. It is the emperor François who decides on all. Anxious to fight against the revolutionary ideas, the Austrian government was a little more favorable to the Church. The clergy finds its right of inspection on the elementary schools and the colleges. The clergy was compared to a body of civils servant, dispensers of sacraments. If the majority of the members of the clergy were satisfied with their situation, some, the romantic catholics try to give again a mystical dimension in has life of the Church. In 1840, the military service was brought back 10 years to eight years, except to Hungary and of many exemption continued to be granted to noble, civils servant, doctors, students, large farmers and bread-winners.

The Revolution of 1848

In 1848, burst in plain Vienna forces insurrection; at the same time the Italian Hungary and provinces rose, but Italy was promptly subjected, in spite of the support of king de Piémont, who lost the decisive battle of Novare (May 1849), and the Hungary was after a long resistance reduced with the assistance of the Russia (1849): a constitution is granted to him in 1861, then a news in 1865, which establishes a diet and a ministry Hungarian, and calm the spirits.

The period néo-absolutist

In 1859, the emperor, threatened in his Italian possessions by the Sardinian States, invades them; pushed back by the Piedmontese one and the French, in particular with the Battle of Magenta and that of Solferino, it sign the Traité of Villafranca, and yield Lombardy.

Towards the Austro-Hungarian compromise

Increasing oppositions with modern Prussia leads to the war of 1866. Prussians being combined Italy in order to encircle the Empire. The Italians are demolished with the Bataille of Custoza (June 24th), but the Empire are overcome by Prussia with the Bataille of Sadowa the July 3rd 1866, are obliged to yield Venezia, and with the treated of Prague (August 23rd), Austria gives up the German Confédération, which is reconstituted later like German Empire without its participation.

Austria-Hungary

To calm the nationalist tensions, the Empire becomes a double monarchy by integrating the Hungarian crown and becomes the Austria-Hungary. (see this article and the Chronology of the empire Austro-Hungarian)

The First World War

L´ Austria-Hungary s´engage in the First World War with a bad feeling, the ethnic problems reach even l´armée. The aspiration republican are large. Finances of l´empire are badly, l´empire n´est not able to finance a war. The country will launch out in the war after the Attentat of Sarajevo and a massive support of l´ German Empire.

The first battles against the Serb ones are a failure, those will be pushed back only with l´aide German. In 1916 Romania enters in war against l´Autriche in order to release the Rumanian minorities of the Austro-Hungarian yoke. However the offensives austo-allemande against Russian with Tannenberg are a success. Russia capitulates in October 1917.

1918-1945

Parties

The political parties of the Republic were founded under monarchy. They are three to play a leading role after the First World War and the collapse of monarchy:

the SDAP (Sozialistische Demokratische Arbeiter Partei, democratic party social of the workers) which requires more parliamentarism as well as the protection of workers. Created in 1889, Viktor Adler is a representative.
the CS (Christlich Sozial, social Christians), created in 1892, catholic, of Leopold Kumschak or Karl Lueger. They ask social reforms on bottom of Catholicism and a close relationship between the Church and the State.
the DNV (Deutschnational Verband, or großdeutsche). It is not a party of mass, it defends the Germans vis-a-vis the other minorities of the Empire.

These three parties want to found a Republic and form political camps which make lose the capacity with monarchy. Other groups are also turned against monarchy (in particular Czechs). Nationalism is an obstacle with the creation of a State-nation. “Pseudo-parliamentarism” is also a weakness of monarchy. The parties are thus reserves of being able for the period which will follow the fall of monarchy, also caused, obviously, by the military defeat in 1918.

The representatives of the parties of monarchy will be the first representative of the Republic. The majority party is the FD, then CS and finally the SDAP. If the FD and CS are due to monarchy, the SDAP is able to convince them that it is anachronistic and responsible for the military defeat. A republic would be stronger, more especially as it would be attached to the Germany. The proclaimed Republic on November 12th, 1918, fills for the moment a political vacuum.

The installation of the Republic

The deputies meet in National Assembly and elect a government, directed by Karl Renner (SDAP).

The Parliament must also write a constitution for the Republic, but as it is resulting from monarchy, of new elections must be organized. They are it in spring 1919, the women take share with the vote. An inversion of the political clouts is followed from there: the SDAP becomes the first party, follow-up of CS and the FD. That will have consequences on the form of the Constitution. Karl Renner (SDAP) becomes chancellor, Fink (CS) vice-chancellor and Schumpeter (without party) Minister for Finance. In spite of the vote with proportional, the three parties obtain almost the totality of the voices. Even if the Communists played a part in the strikes of 1918, they are strongly competed with by the SDAP, very directed on the left. The relations between SDAP and CS are tended in spite of the coalition.

A debate between the parties on the form of the Constitution takes place after the election of the coalition. This debate is tended, and will lead to the end of the coalition. The Constitution between in force in November 1920. It is a compromise between the wills of the various parties. CS wished a federal republic with a Head of powerful State, the SDAP a republic centralized without Head of State (only the chancellor). The adopted republic is federal but its areas have only little autonomy, the Head of State has limited competences.

The weapons of the Austria are an eagle with a sickle, a hammer and a crown. They symbolize the three classes of the Austrian company: peasants, workmen and middle-class men. The colors recall the will of fastening to Germany: black, red and yellow.

There exists another assembly, Bundesrat, which represents Länder, as well as a president who is not elected by the universal direct suffrage. First is Michael Hainisch, an economist representing of liberalism but preaching social reforms.

The rupture of the coalition occurs in July 1920. The first legislative elections are organized to form a new government. CS becomes the first party of the country and form a coalition with the FD, it is called Bürgerblock and will last until the end of the Republic. Nevertheless, no government will remain more than one year and three months in place. The parties test difficulties of getting along, and the economic situation is not favorable for them.

Territorial questions

After the fall of monarchy, the “non-German ones” obtain independence and are attached to the various frontier countries (Poland…), and the “Germans” found their own State, Austria. The Austrian Republic is proclaimed on November 12th, 1918. The mode of the State was changed because of the social problems: the hunger and the bad living conditions cause great strikes as of January 1918.

Fastening in Germany is proposed, justified by the Program of the US president Wilson, in which it requires the self-determination of the people, thus allowing German-speaking of Germany and Austria to regard itself as a single people. The republic “austro-allemande” ( Deutschösterreich ) is born, fastening in Germany being planned for later: parallel to the choice of the Republic, the deputies also decide for fastening in Germany.

In the Vorarlberg, 80% of the population wish to be integrated into the Suisse, but this one refuses not to compromise the balance of the confessions on its territory. Moreover, 98,5% of the Tyroleans and 99,2% of the inhabitants of the Land of Salzburg wish a fastening of their area in Germany. The allies decide against, and Germany also, for diplomatic reasons. Austria wished this fastening because it had become too small and did not have enough any more of industry. Moreover, Germany was also directed by the social democrats.

Austria is an overcome country, the peace negotiations are thus done with the victorious countries. According to the principle of the self-determination of the people, one could have thought of a fastening of Austria of Germany, gold, the Traité Saint-Germain-in-Bush hammer (1919) the interdict formally not to reinforce Germany. Moreover, the Austria-Hungary represented for Clemenceau the clericalism, it was thus not question of supporting it. This treaty redefines the borders of Austria. It yields the the Tyrol south, the south of the Styrie and part of Burgenland.

The Economic policy

During the winter 1919-1920, Austria knows one period of economic difficulties, in particular of inflation, which involve strikes and demonstrations. The government seeks to borrow money in other States. This policy is dealt with by the chancellor Ignaz Seipel, very credit diplomatically.

It signs the Protocole of Geneva in October 1922, an agreement with the France, the the United Kingdom, the Italy and the Czechoslovakia which guaranteed loans in Austria in exchange of which the latter promises to keep her independence, even if little really believes in it. A political vacuum for economic reasons would be dangerous for the balance of the Central Europe.

Finances are cleansed: the number of civils servant drops, the State spends less. In spite of the rise of unemployment, the economic policy of Seipel is approved and led to an electoral success of its party in 1923.

A new currency is installation in January 1925: the schilling.

Toughening of the political life

Seipel is victim of an attack and resigns in 1924. It takes again its functions in 1926. This attack is an illustration of increasingly sharp violence in the political life, especially since the end of the coalition in 1920. The two principal parties clash more and more, and are supported by paramilitary organizations:

Heimwehren for CS and the DNV. Small groups of self-defense, they appear at the end of the First World War. They do not have a political goal at the beginning, but approach quickly to CS and the DNV. They radicalize and write their political personal program in 1930, the Program of Korneubourg, into which it rejects the democracy and the parliamentary system and decide for the “Führerprinzip” and a State supporter of corporatism.
the republikanische Schutzbund for the SDAP. Centralized and organized militarily, it counts some 80.000 members.

Many former soldiers find a place in these organizations, in particular those struck by the rise of unemployment.

At the time of the elections of April 1927, CS has nothing any more but one seat moreover than the SDAP at the assembly. The political life is still radicalized. The SDAP had registered in its program of 1926 (Program of Linz) dictatorship of the proletariat, which was interpreted by CS like a challenge.

In January 1927 with Schattendorf take place of the street battles between Heimwehren and the republikanische Schutzbund which make 2 dead side of Heiwehren. The lawsuit is held in July, and the defendants are discharged on July 15th, 1927. Spontaneous demonstrations result from it and the Law courts, symbol of the unjust State, are burnt. Schober, the chief of the police force, makes shoot at the demonstrators, provocant 90 dead including 4 police officers. This police repression signs the final separation of CS and the SDAP. The population moves away from the government. The demonstrators are condemned and the chancellor Seipel (priest in addition) refuses to amnesty them. Some 30.000 Austrians withdraw Catholic church.

To leave this crisis, one decides to reinforce the executive power. A modification of the Constitution is decided in 1929: the president from now on is elected directly by the people and its capacities are widened. It is the expression of the authoritative and unparliamentary tendencies European. Because of internal problems to the political parties, the next president is not elected directly by the people, but receives all the same more capacity.

Crises

The world economic crisis does not save Austria. Dissatisfaction grows and the government is held for person in charge. Thus, with the elections of 1930, the SDAP becomes the first party. Moreover, one new political clout makes its entry: Heimwehren were indeed constituted in party. They are more nationalist and less hold with the democratic principles that CS and take voices with this last. In spite of that, coalition CS/DNV continues fonctionner.
The result of the elections of 1930 shocked the CS which thinks of a means of avoiding the next elections, thinking that the result would be quite worse.

Two other crises come to reinforce the economic crisis:

France, Italy and Czechoslovakia prohibit a customs union between Austria and Germany, because they see the preparation of a fastening there. This customs union would have made it possible Austria to leave the economic crisis, and the parties wished it because they always wished the pure and simple fastening of Austria to its neighbor (even CS who in 1919 was not favorable for religious reasons there and because it was due to monarchy).
the DNV withdraws coalition in 1932 because does not wish to be held for person in charge of the situation. She in addition sees gradually her electorate fleeing towards Heimwehren and the Nazi party, which is its first successes with the regional elections.

In September 1931 Pfrimer, chief of Heimwehren tries a coup d'etat which fails quickly.

Political changes

On the right, the Nazi party, and on the left, the SDAP, become increasingly strong. CS decides to prevent the next elections. The presidential regime of Hindenburg in Germany shows that it is possible to control a country without Parliament.

March 4th 1933, Parliament autodissout: the president of the Parliament, which does not have the right to take share with the votes, resigns to be able to bring his voice to his camp; the first vice-president makes in the same way, as well as the second. For the chancellor Dollfuß, the Parliament showed that it was not able to function and declares on March 7th that it will control without him. The 15, a session of the Parliament are organized by some deputies, but are prevented by the government.

Several measurements announce an ideological change, the passage of a democratic State in an authoritative State: the republikanische Schutzbund east dissolves and Heimwehren are organized in militia. The SDAP reacts by creating a movement inside the party, the revolutionary Socialists. They preach the resistance armed in the event of dissolution with the parties, of prohibition of the trade unions, attacks against Vienna the Red (directed by the SDAP) and of fascistic constitution.

Relations with Germany

Difficulties appear between Austria and Germany, even if they are authoritative States and ideologically close relations. For Hitler, Dollfuß does not go rather far, is not radical enough. It wishes to seize the power in Austria.

Attacks are perpetrated in Austria by the Nazis, and the party is prohibited in June 1933. Hitler threatens of annexation, and Austria seeks supports in its Hungarian and Italian neighbors. In August 1933, Mussolini requires a more important fascisation of Austria in exchange of supports. The Austrian government creates a fascistic sole party then: the Patriotic Face.

Austrofascism

The austrofascism is a Fascism whose Catholicisme is an essential component. On the weapons of Austria an aureole is added. This reference to the religion differentiates the Austrian dictatorship from the other forms of European dictatorships which see the religion like competitor. The State is fascistic but not authoritative, supporter of corporatism but without racial laws. There are a sole party, but not total control of the political life. It is not a new party which arrives at the capacity, but old which changed.

The state Austrian supporter of corporatism is arranged hierarchically and has as a model the Moyen-âge with a catholic component. The program is established in September 1933 (month of the 250e birthday of the release of Vienna of the Turks). It is presented like a national release of the enemies of the interior. “We want a State Austrian Christian and German on a supporter of corporatism basis and with an authoritative leader”. The enemies are the Marxisme, the Capitalisme, the Nazi party and the domination of the parties on the State.

Dollfuß remains chancellor, thus creating a continuity between the democracy and Fascism. It uses the constitutional means to create this new mode, but does not arrive at the capacity following election, since it is there already. It benefits from it to prevent new elections. The austrofascism is not a new ideology but the transformation of an old democratic party.

A new constitution is written: the “constitution of May” between in force on May 1st 1934. The date was selected to try to rejoin the workers in their showing that the new mode does not forget them. The preamble declares: “In the name of very powerful God, all the rights emanate, the Austrian people adopt this constitution for his federal state, German and Christian. ” The old values of the federalism and Catholicism are reaffirmed. The stressing of the gothic script of Austria east, it, new.

Interior difficulties

In February 1934 bursts a civil war. The government orders searchings to find weapons in the former members of the republikanische Schutzbund. Those are defended, provocant street battles with the police force and the army, as well as Heimwehren. One counts approximately 1500 dead and wounded. Certain representatives of the SDAP are carried out and the party is prohibited. The others flee abroad. The mode places from there in reinforced fate because its principal opponent is eliminated.

In July 1934, the Austrian Nazis try a coup d'etat. It fails and makes approximately 270 dead. 13 people are carried out and 4 commit suicide front. The Dollfuß chancellor is assassinated, Kurt von Schuschnigg succeeds to him and remains with the chancellery until March 1938. During this coup d'etat, Germany remains neutral because is not yet rather strong militarily to intervene. Mussolini sends soldiers to the Austrian border to protect independence from Austria if it had suddenly been threatened.

The growing influence of the Nazism

The German population wishes more and more the fastening of Austria in Germany, because it is in the program of the Nazi party and because it would be a means of being opposed to the Traité of Versailles. But the Austrian population is less and less favorable there. The economic situation improves, and the elites do not wish to lose their positions.

The international context evolves/moves in 1935 in favor of the Nazis. Germany is remilitarized, a referendum is organized in the Saar at the time which the local population decides for integration in Germany. This referendum is recognized internationally and Germany can wish similar in Autriche.
Italy launches out in a policy of colonization in Africa and is thus interested less in Austria, leaving more room for maneuver in Germany to enable him to extend its influence.

In July 1936 is signed “the agreement of July” between Germany and Austria: Austria is defined as German State, gives up its foreign politics and amnesties the condemned Austrian Nazis.

The sole party is controlled more and more by the Nazis who adhere to it to seize some. Fastening ( Anschluss ) prepares. Many Nazis occupy already of high positions in the Austrian State.

Anschluss

See also : Anschluss

In February 1938, Hitler and Schuschnigg meet and Hitler requires that Arthur Seyß-Inquart (Nazi) be named Minister of Interior Department and that Austria unifies its economic system with that of Germany. An ultimatum is launched for on March 15th.

Schuschnigg discusses with the various heads of party. Otto von Habsburg, chief of the party monarchist, proposes a reconciliation with the left parties, which are also of agreement. Schuschnigg refuses.

It then organizes a referendum against Hitler, announced on March 9th and organized for the 13. It launches the currency “belch-weiß-belch (a) in dem Tod” (“red-white-red until death”). The question asks whether the people want “Austria free and German, independent and social, Christian and plain. ”

Hitler requires the resignation of Schuschnigg, which obeys under the pressure. March 12th, the German troops enter to Austria under the cries of joy of crowd. Those which were against not wishing obviously to appear. The population saw in Anschluss a means of improving the economic situation of the country.

At the time of the referendum of April 10th, 1938 on Anschluss, 99,73% of the population decide for, according to the official results. One speaks then about “reunification”.

Some remarks on Anschluss:

This fastening was done without violence, because without resistance of the Austrian army.
the president Miklas did not sign the law on Anschluss
the enthusiasm of the population partly true, partly was put in scene as at the time of the speech of Hitler on the Place of the Heroes in Vienna on March 15th, 1938.
the international community does not react, finding normal that only one country is formed of two speaking the same language. Only the Mexico protests officially, by putting a veto at SDN.

Austria in 3rd Reich

The history of Austria merges with that of Germany of 1938 to 1945. Austria, integrated into Reich, is structured according to the program Nazi. The old institutions are dissolved on March 17th, 1938. The first convoy towards Dachau share as of on April 1st, and in May is built the only concentration camp on the Austrian ground: Mauthausen.

Germany benefits from the natural resources of Austria, it seizes the national bank and industries. A war prepares and it will be a success only if the economy functions well and allows a good armament. Austria produces much energy thanks to its water and its oil in Low-Austria. It has also heavy industries with Linz. Unemployment drops, but many Austrians already left their country.

The administration is occupied by the Germans, but the Austrians also occupy of the important stations and are not only victims. May 30th, 1938, Austria is divided into 7 “Gaue” called “Ostmark” in 1939 then “Gaue of the Alps and the Danube” in 1942.

The persecution of the Jews does not meet sharp opposition in Austria, the anti-semitism being a long tradition, especially in Vienna. They undergo the same fate as the German Jews. Approximately 130.000 flee, the majority in the United Kingdom. 70.000 die in concentration camps.

Austria is longer saved by the engagements than Germany. It becomes battle field only as from April 1945.

245.000 Austrian soldiers die or are reported missing. 20.000 civilians die under the bombardments. 1,5 million Austrians took share with the war.

Resistance is present but obtains only little success. It is often intellectual, it diffuses leaflets against propaganda for example. It is armed only at the end with the war and releases even the town of Innsbruck before the arrival of the allied troops.

Since 1945

Rebuilding of the political life

The prison or the concentration camps caused to bring closer the various Austrian parties during the Second world war. Thus, the social democrats and thesocial ones start to work together as of the end of the war.

In April 1945, the former social democrat chancellor Karl Renner is already in contact with the Soviet authorities which support it in the formation of a provisional government. It could allow the Soviet Union to extend its influence in Austria. Renner accepts this support, but he is recognized only by the only USSR. April 27th, a government is formed, composed of three parties: the democratic social party (SPÖ), the Communist party (KPÖ) and the Austrian popular party (ÖVP, old Christian-social).

April 28th is signed the Declaration of Independence. The new republic was to be founded in the spirit of the Constitution of 1920, but under the pressure of the Alliés, it is on the Constitution of 1929 (giving more capacity to the president) than IIe République will rest, because it is to have been last into force in Austria.

The Western countries are being wary with respect to Austria, because this one formed integral part of the Reich, and it is now supported by the USSR. They recognize finally the Austrian government, in particular after the conservatives lost the capacity with the the United Kingdom.

Austria is divided into four zones, like the Germany and Vienna in four sectors, like Berlin. However, Austria being regarded as the first victim of the war, the Allies leave him a government. (Germany will have to await 1949.)

Post-war period

The first elections take place on November 25th 1945. There is 3,5 million voters and 64% are women. The ÖVP (old Christian-social) obtains 49,8% of the voices, the SPÖ 44,8% and the Communist party 5,4% (propaganda Nazi anticommunist had left traces, and the Red Army had an bad image in the population, in particular because of violences that it because in Vienna) Leopold Figl becomes chancellor, Schärf vice-chancellor. Although the ÖVP had the absolute majority in seats, a coalition is formed by these three parties (the Communist party having however only one ministry) because it was still the time of the rebuilding of the country.

Many old resistant or adverse to the Nazisme is found with the capacity, but their capacity remains limited because of the council of allied control: as in Germany, the Allies keep an eye on the Austrian policy. This council is modified as of on June 28th 1946: the Allies have nothing any more but one right to veto with regard to the constitutional changes. Moreover, the dissensions between Americans and Soviets leave more room for maneuver to the Austrian government, while being an obstacle with a decision as for the future of Austria. There is no peace treaty, Austria remains occupied until in 1955, Is and the West being afraid which definitively free Austria approaches the opposing side.

The old frontier problems are not regulated by the Second world war. If the Declaration of Moscow regulates finally those with Germany, the Italy and the Czechoslovakia still pose problem. There exists a German-speaking minority with the the Tyrol of the South (Italian since 1918). September 5th, 1946 is signed the agreement Gruber-With Gasperi which provides that this area is evoked in the peace treaty. Western Europe seeks to support Italy and especially to avoid a situation which would lead to the creation of a revolutionary party which would oppose any concession as for this area (in 1948, 35% of the Italians voted for the Communist party…). The italo-Austrian relations will remain bad until in 1969. Italy will prevent even the entry of Austria in the European Union. In Carinthie of the South (Austria), it is the Yugoslav minority which poses problem. This area would have being attached to the Yugoslavia because it belongs to the winners of the war, but as its relations with the USSR are execrable, Carinthie of the South remains Austrian.

The denazification of Austria is done in each zone of occupation differently. It is dealt with by the Austrian authorities as from 1946. 134.000 people pass in front of Justice, 17% of them are condemned including 34 with death. 100.000 people lose their place in the public service. But this denazification finishes quickly, because in times of rebuilding, each one is useful, and it does not matter which is its political past. In 1948, 480.000 people found guilty of minor facts are amnestied. They have the right to vote again. A new party is created in 1949, aiming at democratizing the former Nazis: the VdU (Union of Independent, center, become FPÖ in 1955). It is supported by the SPÖ because it can make lose voices with the ÖVP.

With the elections of 1949, the ÖVP collection 44% of the voices, the SPÖ 38,7%, VdU 11,7 and the KPÖ 05,1. The great coalition always functions (until 1966) but without the Communists who left the government in 1947 when Austria accepted the Marshall plan. They hope to continue to have an influence in the street. They will have a certain importance at the time of the consecutive economic crisis of 1949/1950 with the Guerre of Korea, which involved a rise of the prices, an impoverishment of the population and a deterioration of the social situation, but the great strikes of 1950 will be a failure, and the KPÖ will remain marginal.

The years 1950, a new departure

Years 1949/1950 mark the end of the post-war period. A new right party is created, an old left party loses of its importance, new institutions are installation, the former Nazis are released. The Renner chancellor dies in 1950, a new generation of politicians enters in scene, of which the president Theodor Körner (SPÖ), elected for six years. A new government is formed in 1953 after new elections. Raab replaces Figl with the chancellery.

A question remains however outstanding: occupation. May 15th 1955 is signed the Treaty of State between the four allied powers and Austria. It is a peace treaty in which Austria proclaims its “permanent neutrality”, according to the Swiss model. In exchange, the Allies leave Austria. The foreign troops withdraw on October 25th and the following day, the Parliament adopts officially this treaty, making of October 26th the Austrian national festival. Moreover, in December of this same year, Austria between with UNO.

The economic situation improves thanks to the Marshall plan which accelerates the rebuilding. Prosperity settles, giving confidence to the Austrians in the Republic. The two controlling parties will be renewed with the government until in 1966. No interior movement comes to disturb peaceful Austria… Only the crisis of Hungary in 1956, revolt repressed by the Red Army, causes the massive arrival of 150.000 refugees in Austria.

Years 1960/1970, modernization

In 1966, the ÖVP obtains the majority of the seats to the Parliament and decides to only control. With the beginning of the year 1960, its relations with the SPÖ had been tightened, in particular when Otto von Habsburg had wanted to return to Austria, the ÖVP was for, while the SPÖ was against. Josef Klaus becomes chancellor, a woman is minister for the first fois.
In 1969, the question of the Tyrol of the South is settled, it is a success for Klaus, but the economic recession will make him lose the elections of 1970.

The SPÖ arrives at the capacity, and only controls (there will remain, alone there or in coalition, until 2000). Bruno Kreisky is chancellor. The FPÖ supports the government without taking part in it, because of many social democrats are against a coalition. In exchange, the government increases the number of deputies to the Parliament, measures favorable to the small parts. New elections are thus organized in 1971. The SPÖ obtains the absolute majority.

Many reforms are adopted: right to the abortion in 1975, legal protection of the newborns out-marriage, right of the minorities (bilingual panels in Carinthie in 1972), etc the SPÖ gains the elections of 1975 in spite of the oil crisis.

A movement on the left slowly makes its appearance at the end of the years 1960/début of the years 1970: the Greens. They are at the origin against the construction of the Nuclear plant of Zwentendorf and cause a referendum in 1978. The majority of the Austrians is against the startup of this power station. An ecological conscience is born.

Years 1980/1990, changes

The SPÖ loses the absolute majority in 1983 because of the progression of unemployment and the accounting scandals. Kreisky resigns and is replaced by Fred Sinowatz in a coalition with the FPÖ, which obtains three ministries (justice, trade, and defense) and post it of vice-chancellor.

New political clouts settle gradually in Austria: the Greens enter for the first time a regional Parliament in 1982 and with the national parliament in 1986; Jörg Haider becomes chief of the FPÖ, he is much more nationalist than its predecessor and makes of his party a party of extreme-right-hand side, which leads at the end of the government coalition. A news great coalition is formed in 1987 between SPÖ and ÖVP.

The presidential elections of 1986 cause a great debate on the Austrian past. It is learned indeed that the right-wing candidate, Kurt Waldheim, was officer in the army Nazi in Balkans. This debate shows at which point the question of the responsibility for the Austrian people was eluded. Waldheim is not re-elected, because Austria is insulated on the international scene. Few Heads of State agree to receive Waldheim.

The news great coalition is given for objective to solve the economic crisis, to make reforms and economies. It starts to work with the European Union, and one envisages his adhesion as of 1989, which calls into question its neutrality. Unemployment drops but the problem of the financing of the Welfare state remains, in particular that of the retirements.

In 1989, the Eastern bloc dissolves, provocant the arrival of many refugees, bread blessed for Haider whose party progresses to the elections of 1990. The war in Yugoslavia, adjoining country of Austria, worries the population autrichienne.
The Austrian population is with the hostile departure with an adhesion with the European Union, just like the SPÖ, because that calls into question neutrality, essential component of the Austrian identity. It is a loss of freedom and basic rights. But that constitutes also a protection against the collateral damage of possible wars in Eastern Europe. In 1994, the Austrian population decides clearly for the adhesion which will be done the following year.

In spite of its defeat with the referendum on the EU, the FPÖ remains popular with the national elections. It follows a policy of aggressive opposition. The liberal wing of the party separates to create the Liberal Forum in 1993.

Years 1990 are also a period of change in the Austrian political life. The coalition is called more and more in question. The FPÖ becomes the second party of the country. It is with adhesion in Europe another sign of standardization of Austria. Indeed, this situation of the extreme-right-hand side is found in many countries like Italy, the Belgium, the Netherlands, the Denmark etc In 1994, the two great parties do not join together more for the first time the majority of two thirds, necessary to a modification of the Constitution.

In 1999, the ÖVP becomes the third party of the country. The negotiations for a coalition last of the months, and fail between the ÖVP and the SPÖ. The ÖVP thus decides to control with the FPÖ. Wolfgang Schüssel becomes chancellor. The ÖVP had at the head that the rise of the FPÖ was due to the great coalition. If this one had continued, the FPÖ would have perhaps become first Austrian party with the next elections. Moreover, because of its radical reforms, the FPÖ could never obtain good performances in the space of a legislature (four years). In 2002, the FPÖ loses voices with the elections indeed, but the coalition continues. This coalition is a rupture in the Austrian recent history because the SPÖ does not take part in it. Moreover, it is the first “traditional” coalition (sight from abroad) with being taken back.

Lastly, two other results show changes: a woman Pasteur Protestant woman is candidate with the presidential elections of 1998 and collects 13,5% of the voices; with the European elections of 1994, a former member of the SPÖ makes countryside on populist topics and obtains 14%. The Austrian voters are ready to vote for new people.

See too

References

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