Lexi Webster
Austria has a rich and complex history that dates back to ancient times. The region has been inhabited by various civilisations, including the Celts, Romans, and Germanic tribes, and has been influenced by numerous empires, such as the Roman Empire, the Holy Roman Empire, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The country's history has been marked by periods of expansion and conflict, with rulers such as the Babenbergs, the Habsburgs, and the Napoleons shaping its destiny. Austria's geographic position at the heart of Europe has made it a centre of trade and cultural exchange, contributing to its prominence and influence on the continent. Today, Austria is a federal state with a diverse population and a thriving economy, known for its neutrality and commitment to cooperation.
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What You'll Learn
Austria's early history
The earliest traces of human habitation in Austria date back more than 250,000 years ago, as evidenced by archaeological findings in the Repolust Cave at Badl, near Peggau in Styria. The region was inhabited by various tribes and experienced waves of migration until the 8th century. During this period, Germanic peoples crossed the Danube, while Hunnic horsemen from the east reached as far as France. The Alpine region was gradually Christianized by Irish and Scottish monks by the end of the Roman period.
In the 1st century BC, a prosperous Celtic population existed in the Alpine lands and the fertile plains of the Danube Valley, trading with the neighbouring Roman Empire. Around the time of the birth of Christ, the Noric kingdom was absorbed by the Romans and became an imperial province, along with Rhaetia (western Austria) and Pannonia (eastern Lower Austria and Burgenland). The Romans ruled the region for nearly 500 years, establishing settlements like Carnuntum, the capital of the Roman province of Pannonia. However, facing pressure from migrating tribes, they eventually withdrew from the Danube region, abandoning their cities.
In the 9th century, Charlemagne, the king of the Franks and eventual Holy Roman Emperor, established a territory in the Danube Valley known as the Ostmark (Eastern March). In 976, the Babenbergs, a Bavarian noble family, were entrusted with the administration of the region, and they expanded their power over the following centuries. The first recorded instance of the name 'Austria' appeared in 996, written as 'Ostarrîchi' in a document of King Otto III, referring to the territory of the Babenberg March.
In the 12th century, Henry II moved his residence to Vienna, which has remained the capital ever since. The Latinized name 'Austria' appeared in writings during this time, and St. Stephen's Cathedral was completed, becoming a prominent landmark. The political history of Austria from the end of the 10th century to the middle of the 13th century was marked by the establishment and consolidation of territories. The Babenberg court attracted leading German poets, and the era saw the flourishing of historical writing in monasteries and the development of Romanesque and early Gothic architecture.
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The Austrian Empire
Following the fall of Napoleon in 1814-15, Austria once again became the leader of the German states. However, the Austro-Prussian War of 1866 resulted in Austria's expulsion from the German Confederation. This led Emperor Franz Joseph to reorient his policies towards the east and consolidate his heterogeneous empire. The Compromise of 1867, also known as the Ausgleich, turned the Habsburg domains into a real union between the Austrian Empire and the Kingdom of Hungary. The Austrian and Hungarian states became co-equal in power, conducting unified diplomatic and defence policies.
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World War I and II
World War I
Austria-Hungary was one of the Central Powers during World War I, along with the German and Ottoman Empires. The conflict began when Austria-Hungary invaded Serbia in July 1914, following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by a Serbian nationalist group. The Austro-Hungarian army had to abandon its plans to conquer Serbia due to its alliance with Germany, instead focusing on protecting the German invasion of France. The Austrian army suffered setbacks in 1914 and 1915, and by September 1916, it had suffered heavy losses (about 1 million men) and never fully recovered. Despite this, Austria-Hungary managed to occupy Serbia in 1915 and force Romania out of the war in 1917. However, they faced severe casualties on other fronts, including Italy, and eventually accepted the Armistice of Villa Giusti on November 3, 1918, ending their participation in the war.
World War II
Before World War II, Austria was unified with Germany under the Nazi regime through the Anschluss in 1938. While not all Austrians were Nazis, the majority supported Germany's wartime policies, and hundreds of thousands of Austrians fought as German soldiers during the war. Many others served in the Nazi administration, including senior leadership positions, and some actively participated in the resistance. During the war, tens of thousands of Austrians were arrested for political reasons, and about 2,700 were executed. After the war, Austria sought to distance itself from the Nazis, embracing the myth of being their first victim. However, it was only in the 1980s and 1990s that the country fully acknowledged its collective responsibility for the crimes committed during the Nazi occupation.
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Post-war Austria
Liberation and Occupation:
Austria was liberated from Nazi rule in 1945, marking the end of World War II in the country. On April 27, 1945, the country was declared independent from Nazi Germany by the Allies, including the Soviet Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. This declaration was formalized by the Berlin Declaration for Germany on June 5, 1945.
However, Austria's independence was short-lived, as it was subsequently divided into four occupation zones, each with its own military administration. The capital, Vienna, was also subdivided, with the central district collectively administered by the Allied Control Council.
The Austrian Victim Theory:
During the post-war period, Austria promoted the "'victim theory,'" arguing that it was the first victim of Nazi aggression. This interpretation was based on the 1943 Moscow Declaration, which acknowledged Austria's role in Nazi crimes while also portraying it as a victim. The theory allowed Austria to deflect guilt, strengthen its position in negotiations, and shape its historical narrative for decades. Austrians blamed the Soviets for the challenging post-war conditions, but the reality was more complex, with American and British bombings also causing significant devastation and food shortages.
Denazification and Reconstruction:
Under Allied occupation, Austria took initial steps towards denazification. The Provisional State Government enacted laws such as the Prohibition Act and the War Criminals Act, requiring former Nazis to declare their party membership. However, prosecution of war criminals became a lower priority during the Cold War, and many perpetrators were reintegrated into Austrian society or fled abroad without facing justice.
The Marshall Plan:
Austria benefited from the Marshall Plan, receiving financial aid for the reconstruction of its heavy industry, particularly in areas controlled by American and British forces. This aid was also a strategic move to counter the influence of the Soviet Union in Austria.
The Austrian State Treaty:
In 1955, the Austrian State Treaty came into force, ending the country's occupation and restoring its independence. This event, known as the "Khrushchev Thaw," marked a warming of relations between Austria and its former occupiers during the Cold War.
In summary, post-war Austria was a period marked by liberation, occupation, denazification efforts, and the complex political dynamics of the Cold War. The country faced the challenges of rebuilding its economy and society while navigating the ideological tensions between East and West.
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Modern-day Austria
Austria's history is long and complex, with the country experiencing several periods of turbulence. Notably, in 1918, the multinational empire of Austria-Hungary collapsed, and the country endured over a quarter of a century of social and economic upheaval and Nazi dictatorship. Following World War II, Austria's neutrality was established in 1955, coinciding with the withdrawal of Allied troops. This newfound neutrality allowed the country to develop into a stable and socially progressive nation with a thriving cultural scene.
Austria has a rich intellectual history and has produced remarkable literary and architectural works. The country's landscape is dotted with lakes, many of which were formed during the Pleistocene Epoch. The largest lakes are Lake Constance (Bodensee) in the west and the marshy Neusiedler Lake (Neusiedlersee) in the east. The country is also home to majestic mountains, which attract hikers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Austria has strong relations with the United States, which recognised the Republic of Austria in 1921. The two countries have maintained diplomatic relations since, with only a brief interruption during World War II when the U.S. closed its consulate in Vienna.
Overall, modern-day Austria is a stable, progressive country with a rich history and a diverse landscape that offers a range of outdoor activities and cultural experiences.
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