Leslie Massey
Austria has a dark history that it has struggled to come to terms with. The country was the first to be invaded by Nazi Germany in 1938, and many Austrians were pleased with the unification of the two countries. Austria's relationship with the Nazis was complex, and while the country was a victim of Nazi aggression, many Austrians were complicit in the crimes of the Third Reich. Austrians made up a significant proportion of the SS, concentration camp personnel, and those who headed the concentration camps. The country also had a role in the Holocaust, with an estimated 120,000 deaths caused by Hitler's repressions in Austria alone. In addition to its troubled past, Austria has also been criticised for issues such as public drinking and a lack of consideration for others.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Austrians are overly critical | Austrians tend to be very negative and treat each other in an aggressive and hostile manner. |
| Austrians are unfriendly to tourists | Austrians don't care about those living around them, including tourists. |
| Austrians are unhygienic | Austrians don't wash their hands after using the toilet. |
| Austrians are shameless | Austrians are shameless about urinating in public. |
| Austrians are overly affectionate in public | Austrians engage in highly public displays of affection, which may be considered inappropriate in other cultures. |
| Austrians have a history of supporting Nazi Germany | Austrians welcomed Hitler and supported the Nazi regime until its end. |
| Austrians were complicit in Nazi crimes | Austrians were involved in the crimes of the Third Reich, including serving as concentration camp personnel and SS officers. |
| Austrians struggled to come to terms with their Nazi past | Austrians initially denied their collective responsibility for Nazi crimes and promoted the "victim theory". |
| Austrians have a history of isolation | Austria lost key allies and influence in Europe, becoming isolated in the 19th century. During the Cold War, Austria was neutral but faced isolation over its failure to address restitution issues related to its Nazi past. |
| Austrians have a history of political instability | The election of Kurt Waldheim, a former Wehrmacht intelligence officer, as federal president in 1986 threatened to isolate Austria internationally. |
| Austrians have a history of imperial decline | Austria's power declined, and it lost its status as the seat of an empire stretching from Ukraine to Italy. |
| Austrians have a binge drinking problem | Public drinking is allowed everywhere in Austria, but several cities, including Vienna, are considering alcohol-free zones due to binge drinking issues. |
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What You'll Learn
Austrians' involvement in Nazi crimes
Austria's involvement in Nazi crimes has been a subject of historical debate and reflection, with the country's role being re-evaluated over the years. For a long time, Austria promoted the "
The annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany in 1938, known as the Anschluss, was met with overwhelming support from the Austrian population. About 10% of the population, or 700,000 people, joined the Nazi Party. Austrians actively participated in the Nazi regime and its atrocities. Notable Austrian Nazis include Arthur Seyß-Inquart, who organised and covered up Nazi crimes in the Netherlands, and Odilo Globocnik, who oversaw the construction of four extermination camps in Poland and was responsible for the murder of approximately 2 million Polish Jews. Austrians comprised a significant portion of the SS and concentration camp personnel, with estimates ranging from 13% to 40%.
In the post-war period, denazification efforts in Austria were relatively ineffective, and the country quickly wound up these processes. Veterans of the Wehrmacht and the Waffen-SS were honoured and reintegrating into Austrian society, while victims of Nazism, particularly Jews, faced obstacles in their struggle for justice. It was not until the 1980s and 1990s that Austria began to confront its past more honestly, with the Waldheim affair and the speeches of Chancellor Franz Vranitzky in 1991 and 1993 being pivotal moments.
The Soviet occupation of Austria, which began in 1941, also sheds light on Austrian involvement in Nazi crimes. While the Soviets arrested and prosecuted Austrians for war crimes, their propaganda emphasised that ordinary Austrians and Germans were not responsible for Nazi atrocities. This differentiation between the general population and the Nazi regime influenced the treatment of Austrian civilians by Soviet soldiers during the occupation.
In recent years, Austria has continued to grapple with its historical legacy, with the formation of the "Historikerkommission" (Historical Commission) in 1998 to review Austria's role in the Nazi expropriation of Jewish property. The country has also initiated large-scale investigations into living Nazis who may be subject to prosecution, demonstrating an ongoing effort to address its involvement in Nazi crimes.
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Austrians' negative and hostile attitudes
Austrians have a reputation for being direct and blunt, which some may perceive as negative or hostile. While this frankness may be refreshing to some, it can also come across as rude or insensitive to those who are not accustomed to such candour. This cultural trait has led to a perception that Austrians are negative or hostile, particularly to those who are unfamiliar with their cultural norms.
Another factor that may contribute to this perception is the Austrian tendency to be reserved and private. Austrians generally value their personal space and privacy, and may not be as openly friendly or welcoming to strangers as people from some other cultures. This reserve can be misinterpreted as unfriendliness or hostility by those who are not aware of the cultural context.
Additionally, Austria has a history of political and social conservatism, which has at times been associated with nationalist and far-right ideologies. While this is not representative of all Austrians, there have been instances where these ideologies have led to negative or hostile attitudes towards immigrants, refugees, and other minority groups. There have been instances of far-right political parties gaining support in Austria, and these groups have at times promoted xenophobic or racist agendas.
Furthermore, Austria has a complex history with Nazism and WWII, which has left a lasting impact on the country's reputation. While many Austrians were victims of the Nazi regime, there was also significant support for Hitler and the Nazi Party in the lead-up to the annexation of Austria in 1938. This has led to a complicated relationship with the country's past, and there may be a tendency towards defensiveness or a reluctance to confront this difficult chapter of history.
Finally, Vienna, the capital city, has a reputation for being somewhat aloof and standoffish. The Viennese tend to be proud of their city and its rich cultural heritage, but this pride can sometimes come across as arrogance to outsiders. This perceived aloofness may be off-putting to visitors or new residents.
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Austrians' lack of hygiene
Austrians have been observed to exhibit a lack of hygiene in several ways. Firstly, public urination is common, with Austrians opting to relieve themselves in bushes when no toilets are available. This behaviour is done without shame and is considered a part of the country's culture.
Additionally, Austrians, particularly males, have been noted to rarely wash their hands after using the toilet. This lack of hand hygiene is a significant issue, as it can contribute to the spread of diseases and infections. A study conducted among medical students at the University of Graz in Austria found that only 43% of students performed hand disinfection according to WHO guidelines. This figure is concerning, given the importance of hygiene adherence for healthcare professionals.
The issue of handwashing is not limited to medical students but appears to be a more widespread cultural norm. One source estimates that only 15% to 20% of Austrian men wash their hands after using the toilet. This lack of hand hygiene can have significant implications for public health and contributes to a negative perception of Austrian hygiene practices.
Furthermore, Austrians have been described as having a more aggressive and openly hostile attitude towards others when they perceive that a wrongdoing has been committed. This direct approach to criticism can create a socially hostile environment and negatively impact personal interactions. While Austrians may view this behaviour as a form of honesty, it can be off-putting to those from other cultures where more indirect communication styles are the norm.
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Austrians' binge drinking
Binge drinking is a notable issue in Austria, with alcohol being permitted in public spaces across the country. Alcohol-free zones are being considered in several cities, including Vienna, due to the prevalence of binge drinking. This issue is particularly notable among young people, with Austrian teenagers ranking among the top binge drinkers in Europe.
A telephone survey of 400 office-based physicians in Austria found that 3.8% had a CAGE score of 2 or higher, indicating a problem with alcohol. This rate was similar to that of the general population, with 4.1% exhibiting problematic drinking behaviour. The survey also revealed that doctors in rural areas drank more frequently and in larger quantities than their urban counterparts. Additionally, older doctors were found to be at higher risk for alcohol abuse.
The social acceptability of binge drinking in Austria may contribute to the normalisation of excessive alcohol consumption among both the general population and specific subgroups, such as physicians. The high rate of problematic drinking among physicians is concerning given their role as health behaviour models and opinion leaders in public health.
While tourists may perceive Austrians as kind and friendly, the local culture can be quite different. Austrians are known for their negative criticism of any change, innovation, or novelty. They also tend to treat each other in a more aggressive and openly hostile manner when they perceive something wrong. This direct approach ensures that everyone knows where they stand, even if it may come across as impolite to those from other cultures.
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Austria's loss of influence in Europe
Austria's influence in Europe has been shaped by its historical context. The Thirty Years' War, which included forced conversions and evictions, significantly diminished the power of the Habsburgs, the ruling family of the Holy Roman Empire. This war altered the balance of power in Europe and led to the emergence of new centres of power along the empire's borders. Additionally, the War of the Austrian Succession (1740-1748) resulted in the permanent loss of most of Silesia, one of Austria's richest and most industrialised provinces, to the Prussians.
The choice of Francis Stephen of Lorraine as the husband of Maria Theresa, the heir apparent, in 1736 also played a role in shifting power dynamics. This decision was unpopular with other powers, particularly France, further contributing to the complex European political landscape of the time. The War of the Polish Succession (1733) and the subsequent Treaty of Vienna in 1738 led to Austria ceding Naples and Sicily to the Spanish Infante Don Carlos, marking a change in territorial holdings.
Austria's position in Central Europe, bordering several countries, has also influenced its role on the continent. The collapse of the Austria-Hungary empire in 1918 left a social and economic void that impacted the region. Austria experienced social and economic turbulence for over two decades following this collapse, affecting its standing in Europe.
Moreover, the rise of Nazi Germany and the subsequent Anschluss in 1938, when Austria was incorporated into the Third Reich, had a profound impact on Austria's sovereignty and influence in Europe. The country became subject to Hitler's repressions, resulting in significant losses and a dark chapter in its history.
In summary, Austria's loss of influence in Europe can be attributed to historical events, shifting power dynamics, and geographical factors. The Thirty Years' War, the choice of Maria Theresa's husband, territorial changes, the collapse of the Austria-Hungary empire, and the rise of Nazi Germany all contributed to Austria's diminished role on the continent.
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Frequently asked questions
Austria has a dark history that includes its complicity in the crimes of Nazi Germany. The country was invaded by Germany in 1938, and many Austrians supported the unification of the two countries.
Hitler, who was Austrian, announced the unification of Austria and Germany in 1938 to a cheering crowd of hundreds of thousands in Vienna. About 10% of the population joined the Nazi Party, and Austrians served as soldiers and concentration camp personnel.
The total number of deaths caused by Hitler's repressions in Austria is estimated to be 120,000. During the two years of Aktion T4, 18,269 people deemed mentally ill were murdered in Hartheim Castle alone.
In 1986, the election of former Wehrmacht intelligence officer Kurt Waldheim as federal president isolated Austria internationally. This forced a national discussion about its past, and the country eventually admitted collective responsibility for Nazi crimes.
Austria has been criticized for its residents' unfriendliness, public drunkenness, and lack of hygiene.
