Austria's History Of Slavery: A Dark Past Revealed

Austria played a significant role in the abolition of the slave trade in the 19th century. During the Vienna Congress of 1814-1815, Austria, along with other European powers, signed the Declaration of the Eight Courts Relative to the Universal Abolition of the Slave Trade. This declaration was a pivotal moment in the fight against slavery, inspiring many states to enact abolition through national legislation. Additionally, Austria has had to confront its own history of slave labour during World War II, with the Austrian government providing compensation to former slave labourers who endured inhumane conditions in camps within its territory.

Austria's role in the Atlantic slave trade

Austria played a significant role in the abolition of the Atlantic slave trade. During the 1814-1815 Vienna Congress, the country was one of the eight leading powers that signed the Declaration of the Eight Courts Relative to the Universal Abolition of the Slave Trade on February 8, 1815. This declaration was a crucial step towards the eventual abolition of the slave trade and, later, slavery itself.

The movement to abolish the slave trade gained momentum in Britain and the American colonies during the final decades of the 18th century. This movement was driven by economic motives and a desire to uphold human dignity, with its strongest roots in radical, Puritan Protestant circles. The movement scored a significant victory in 1772 with the Somerset v. Stewart case, which banned the holding of slaves on English soil.

Following this success, the movement targeted the international slave trade, particularly the French slave trade, during the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812 against the United States. The British Navy played a pivotal role in enforcing the abolition of the slave trade by acting against enemy and neutral vessels involved in the trade.

The Declaration of the Eight Courts Relative to the Universal Abolition of the Slave Trade, signed by Austria and seven other leading powers, was a direct result of the growing anti-slavery movement and British diplomatic efforts. While the declaration fell short of imposing concrete obligations, it expressed a commitment to negotiations about general abolition.

In the following decades, many states, including Austria, enacted abolition through national legislation. The Vienna Declaration introduced the abolition of the slave trade as a principle in general international law and inspired the fight for general abolition. However, it also had a dark side, as the connection made to the 'civilising mission' in the text played a role in justifying the colonisation of Sub-Saharan Africa by European powers.

The Vienna Congress of 1814-1815

The primary objective of the Congress was to provide a long-term peace plan for Europe by settling critical issues arising from the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars through negotiation. The goal was to resize the main powers so they could balance and constrain each other, maintaining peace and serving as shepherds for smaller powers. Conservative leaders like Metternich also sought to restrain or eliminate republican, liberal, and revolutionary movements, which they believed had disrupted the constitutional order of the European ancien régime.

The Congress of Vienna brought together representatives of all European powers (except the Ottoman Empire) and other stakeholders, including cities, corporations, religious organisations, and special interest groups. The four major European powers opposing Napoleon—Britain, Prussia, Russia, and Austria—led the negotiations and decisions. They sought to contain France and restore the monarchies Napoleon had overthrown, ushering in an era of reaction.

The Congress addressed complex issues such as the Polish-Saxon Crisis, where Russia wanted most of Poland, and Prussia wanted all of Saxony. A compromise was reached, with Russia receiving most of the Duchy of Warsaw as the "Kingdom of Poland", while Prussia received 60% of Saxony and parts of the Duchy of Warsaw. Additionally, the Congress established a German Confederation of 39 states under the presidency of the Austrian Emperor, resolving the future of Germany in a way that balanced the interests of the great powers.

The Congress of Vienna also produced a Declaration relative to the Universal Abolition of the Slave Trade, signed by the seven leading powers of the anti-Napoleonic coalition and France. This declaration was a significant step towards the abolition of the slave trade and introduced the concept as a principle in general international law.

The outcomes of the Congress of Vienna have been both praised and criticised by historians. On the one hand, it successfully prevented another widespread European war for almost a century (1815-1914). On the other hand, it has been criticised for suppressing national, democratic, and liberal movements, benefiting traditional monarchs, and imposing a stifling reaction on the continent.

Austrian slave and forced labor fund

In 2000, the Austrian government commissioned historians to research slavery and forced labour in Austria during World War II. Their reports, published the same year, revealed that more than 580,000 forced labourers were deployed in the territory of what is now the Republic of Austria.

Following these revelations, the Austrian parliament approved the creation of a fund to compensate victims of slave labour and forced labour. The fund was called the "Austrian Fund for Reconciliation, Peace and Cooperation". It was established with the Federal Act of 27 November 2000, and was valued at $420 million. The money came from the Austrian Republic and Austrian industry.

The following people were eligible for compensation:

• Former slave labourers: Those forced to perform labour in camps similar to concentration camps under inhumane conditions on the territory of present-day Austria. This included Hungarian Jews who were deported to Austria in 1944 and 1945 and made to work in Vienna or on the “Southeast Rampart Construction”. They received €7,631.
• Former forced labourers: Individuals who were forced by the National Socialist regime to work in industry or agriculture on the territory of present-day Austria. Former forced labourers in industry received €2,544, and those in agriculture received €1,453.
• Hardship cases: Those suffering from long-lasting physical or psychological injuries as a result of the work they performed were considered for an additional payment as special hardship cases.
• Mothers: Women who during their time as forced labourers gave birth in maternity facilities for Eastern workers or who were forced to undergo abortions may have been eligible for an additional payment of €363.
• Children: Children and minors who were under age 12 and who were deported together with one or both parents may be eligible for payment, as long as at least one parent was a forced labourer. Children who were born in Austria while the mother was a forced labourer may also have been eligible for payment. Children received the same payment as their parents, or the sum that their parent would have received. Heirs of victims may have been eligible if the victim died on or after 16 February 2000.

The deadline to apply for compensation was 31 December 2003.

Abolition of the slave trade

The abolition of the slave trade in Austria was part of a broader movement during the Enlightenment to abolish slavery and the slave trade across Europe and the American colonies. This movement was driven by economic motives and sensitivities about human dignity. During the final decades of the 18th century, a strong and vocal movement emerged, with roots in radical, puritan Protestant circles, that strove for the abolition of slavery.

The Vienna Congress of 1814-1815 played a crucial role in the abolition of the slave trade. The Declaration of the Eight Courts Relative to the Universal Abolition of the Slave Trade of 8 February 1815 was signed by the seven leading powers of the anti-Napoleonic coalition: Austria, Britain, Prussia, Russia, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden, as well as France. This declaration was an achievement of British diplomacy, particularly the work of Robert Stewart, Lord Castlereagh, who was under pressure from the abolitionist movement in Britain.

The declaration stated that the Atlantic slave trade was "repugnant to the principles of humanity and universal morality", and it committed the signatories to work towards the abolition of the slave trade. However, it did not impose any concrete obligations or set a time limit for the realisation of abolition. While it was a landmark in the history of humanitarianism and introduced the abolition of the slave trade as a principle in general international law, the declaration fell short of the British government's goal of an immediate and general prohibition of the slave trade.

In the following decades, many states, including Britain, moved to enact abolition through national legislation. The establishment of mixed commissions, which were set up to deal with slave trade issues, also played a crucial role in the liberation of slaves. The actions of the British navy to fight the international slave trade, the establishment of these mixed commissions, and the liberation of almost 80,000 slaves by international tribunals were pursuant to a growing web of treaties that prohibited the international slave trade and, eventually, slavery itself.

In addition to its role in the abolition of the slave trade during the Enlightenment, Austria also addressed the issue of compensating former slave and forced labourers under the Nazis. In 2000, the Austrian government commissioned historians to research slave and forced labour in Austria during World War II. Following this research, the Austrian parliament approved a fund entitled "Austrian Fund for Reconciliation, Peace and Cooperation", with assets of ATS 6 billion (about $420 million) to compensate survivors.

Austrian views on slavery

Austria's views on slavery have evolved over time, with the country playing a role in both the historical practice and abolition of slavery. Here is an overview of Austrian perspectives on slavery:

Historical Context

Austria, like many other European countries, has a history of slavery and forced labour. While it was not a major colonial power, instances of slavery were documented in the country, particularly during the rule of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. One notable example was Angelo Soliman (1721-1796), an African man who was enslaved by Prince Joseph Wenzel of Liechtenstein. Soliman's story illustrates the complex dynamics of race and power within Austrian society at the time.

Abolition and Reparations

Austria took significant steps towards abolishing slavery and addressing its legacy. During the Vienna Congress of 1814-1815, Austria was among the signatories of the Declaration of the Eight Courts Relative to the Universal Abolition of the Slave Trade. This declaration, driven by British diplomacy, played a crucial role in the international movement to eradicate the slave trade.

In the 20th century, Austria confronted its involvement in slave labour during World War II. Following Germany's example, the Austrian government commissioned historians to research and acknowledge the country's role in forced labour under the Nazis. In 2000, the Austrian parliament approved the "Austrian Fund for Reconciliation, Peace and Cooperation," providing compensation to former slave labourers, including those deported to Austria during the war.

Contemporary Perspectives

Today, Austria officially condemns slavery and forced labour. The country has ratified international conventions against these practices and is a party to global efforts to eradicate them. However, it is important to recognise that the legacy of slavery and colonialism continues to shape Austrian society, particularly for Afro-Austrians, who face discrimination and marginalisation. Organisations such as Pamoja: The Movement of the Young African Diaspora in Austria are actively working to address these issues and promote the inclusion of Afro-Austrians.

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