Austria's Racial Identity: Exploring Whiteness And Its Complexities

Austrians are a Germanic ethnic group with a shared history and culture. Historically, Austrians were considered Germans, as they were part of the Holy Roman Empire and the German Confederation until the Austro-Prussian War in 1866. However, Austrians have since developed their own distinct national identity and no longer identify as Germans. Today, Austrians are considered a nationality rather than an ethnic group, and their culture is influenced by Germany, Italy, and the Czech Republic. While the majority of Austrians identify as Ethnic Austrians, the country is also home to significant minority groups, including Turks, Germans, Serbs, Slovenes, Croats, and Hungarians.

Austrians are a Germanic ethnic group

Historically, Austrians were regarded as Germans and viewed themselves as such. The Austrian lands (including Bohemia) were part of the Holy Roman Empire and the German Confederation until the Austro-Prussian War in 1866, which resulted in Prussia expelling the Austrian Empire from the Confederation. Thus, when Germany was founded as a nation-state in 1871, Austria was not a part of it.

After the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918 at the end of World War I, Austria was reduced to a rump state and briefly used the name the Republic of German-Austria in an attempt to unite with Germany. However, this was forbidden by the Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye in 1919. The First Austrian Republic was founded that same year.

After the defeat of Nazi Germany and the end of World War II in Europe, the political ideology of pan-Germanism and the union with Germany became associated with Nazism, resulting in Austrians developing their own separate and distinct national identity. Today, the vast majority of Austrians do not identify as German. They are now more of a nationality than an ethnic group.

Austrians were historically considered Germans

In the 19th century, German chancellor Otto von Bismarck envisioned a 'Greater Germany' under which all Germans would live. However, he only ever achieved the creation of a 'lesser Germany' as Austria was never incorporated and instead formed its own empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, in 1867.

After the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918 at the end of World War I, Austria briefly used the name the Republic of German-Austria in an attempt to join Germany, but this was forbidden by the Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye (1919). The exclusion of Austria from Germany in 1866 and the rise of Austrian nationalism, particularly within the Christian Social Party, which identified Austrians based on their predominantly Catholic religious identity, distinct from the predominantly Protestant Prussians, led to Austrians developing their own separate and distinct national identity.

The idea of uniting all ethnic Germans into one nation-state was further challenged by the rise of Austrian nationalism and the creation of ethnic conflict between the German Austrians and other ethnic groups within the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Many pan-German movements in the empire desired the reinforcement of an ethnic German identity and the collapse of the empire to allow for a quick annexation of Austria to Germany.

After the defeat of Nazi Germany and the end of World War II in Europe, the political ideology of pan-Germanism and the union with Germany became associated with Nazism, further contributing to Austrians developing their own national identity separate from Germany. Today, the vast majority of Austrians do not identify as German.

Austria's population includes significant minorities

One of the most notable minority groups in Austria is the Turkish community, which forms the second-largest ethnic group in the country. The presence of Turks in Austria dates back to an agreement between Austria and the Turkish government in 1964, which invited Turkish workers to Austria as guest workers in the construction and export industry. When this agreement ended in 1973, many Turks already in the country applied for permanent citizenship, while others focused on family reunification. Today, there are approximately 350,000 Turks living in Austria, including a minority of Turkish Kurds, who make up around 3% of the total population.

In addition to these larger minority groups, Austria is also home to smaller traditional minority groups. For example, there are around 14,000 Carinthian Slovenes in Austrian Carinthia and about 25,000 Croats and 20,000 Hungarians in Burgenland, near the Hungarian border. The rights of these minority groups, such as the Slovenes and Croats, are protected by law and generally respected in practice.

Austria's multicultural history and geographical location have also attracted immigration from neighbouring countries such as Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, and Poland. Additionally, like neighbouring Germany, Austria has experienced significant immigration from Turkey and former Yugoslav states such as Croatia and Serbia. This diversity is reflected in the country's cuisine, which has been influenced by German, Hungarian, Czech, Italian, and Polish culinary traditions.

While Austrians were historically considered Germans due to their shared history and membership in the Holy Roman Empire, they have since developed their own distinct national identity. Today, Austrians view themselves more as a nationality than an ethnic group, and their culture is influenced not only by Germany but also by Italy and the Czech Republic. This diverse cultural background has contributed to a rich literary, musical, and culinary heritage that is unique to Austria.

Austrians are direct and tell people off

Austrians are known for being direct and straightforward in their communication. They tend to speak honestly and clearly to get straight to the point, especially in written communication. This directness extends to their feedback, and they are known for telling people off when annoyed.

Austrians are often annoyed by people, even their fellow Austrians. They are known for being unfriendly, particularly in Vienna, which has been ranked as one of the most unfriendly cities in the world by expats living there. However, this directness and honesty are valued in Austrian culture, and it is important to note that Austrians are also known for being warm and open once a relationship is established.

When communicating with Austrians, it is essential to maintain eye contact, as it is considered a sign of respect. Austrians also value personal space and privacy, so it is important to ask permission before taking photos or videos of someone and to knock before entering their home.

In terms of humour, Austrians tend to favour subtlety, indirectness, cynicism, and dark humour. Irony and wit are preferred over puns or crude humour.

Austrians also place importance on punctuality and expect warnings and apologies for any delays or cancellations.

Overall, while Austrians may be direct and tell people off, it is important to understand that this is a cultural norm and that Austrians also value warmth, openness, and honesty in their communication.

Austrians are developing a separate national identity

Historically, Austrians were considered Germans, and viewed themselves as such. Austria was part of the Holy Roman Empire and the German Confederation until the Austro-Prussian War in 1866, which resulted in Prussia expelling the Austrian Empire from the Confederation. Thus, when Germany was founded as a nation-state in 1871, Austria was not a part of it. After the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918 at the end of World War I, Austria briefly used the name the Republic of German-Austria in an attempt to unite with Germany, but this was forbidden by the Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye (1919).

However, over time, Austrians have developed their own distinct national identity. By 1987, only 6% of Austrians identified as Germans, and today, over 90% see themselves as an independent nation. This shift in identity can be attributed to several factors, including Austria's multicultural history and geography, its Catholic religious traditions, and its unique political and cultural developments since the late 19th century.

Austria's multicultural history and geographical location have resulted in significant immigration from neighbouring countries such as Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, and Poland, as well as Turkey and former Yugoslav states. This diversity has contributed to the development of a distinct Austrian identity. Additionally, Catholicism has played a significant role in Austrian culture and politics, with the majority of Austrians traditionally identifying as Roman Catholic. In contrast, Germany has a predominantly Protestant religious identity.

Political and cultural developments have also shaped Austria's separate identity. The exclusion of Austria from the German Confederation in 1866 and the formation of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1867 created a distinct political trajectory for Austria. The collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire after World War I further emphasised Austria's independence, as it was reduced to a rump state and adopted its own constitution.

In summary, Austrians are developing a strong sense of national identity that is distinct from that of Germany. This process has been influenced by historical, cultural, religious, and political factors, shaping the way Austrians view themselves in the world today.

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