Leslie Massey
Salzburg, the fourth-largest city in Austria, has a rich history that dates back to the Stone Age. The city was established as an episcopal see in 696 and became a seat of the archbishop in 798. Over the centuries, Salzburg has been part of various empires and kingdoms, including the Holy Roman Empire, the Austrian Empire, and the Kingdom of Bavaria. In 1805, Salzburg was annexed to the Austrian Empire, and in 1816, it was returned to Austria per the Treaty of Munich. However, during World War II, Salzburg, along with the rest of Austria, was annexed into Nazi Germany on March 12, 1938, becoming the seat of the Nazi Reichsgau Salzburg administrative division. This annexation, known as the Anschluss, occurred just one day before a scheduled referendum on Austria's independence.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of annexation | 12 March 1938 |
| Reason | Annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany, also known as the Anschluss |
| Population | 156,852 (2020) |
| Population rank in Austria | Fourth-largest city |
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | Yes, since 1996 |
| University | Yes, three universities |
| International airport | Yes, at Maxglan |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Salzburg's annexation to the Austrian Empire in 1805
Salzburg, the fourth-largest city in Austria, has a rich history that dates back to the Stone Age. The city's roots can be traced to the Roman town of Juvavum, established around 15 BC. However, by the fall of the Roman Empire, Juvavum was largely abandoned until the end of the 7th century when it was revived by St. Rupert, who was gifted the site by the Duke of Bavaria.
In 1805, Salzburg was annexed to the Austrian Empire, along with the Berchtesgaden Provostry. This marked a significant shift in the region's history. The annexation occurred during the Napoleonic Wars, a time when the archbishops lost their power, and Salzburg's long-held independence came to an end. This was not the first time Salzburg had undergone a change in rule; the city had a complex history of shifting allegiances and influences. Previously, Salzburg had been a part of the Holy Roman Empire as an independent Prince-Bishopric, gaining independence from Bavaria in the 14th century.
However, the events of 1805 set in motion a series of transfers of power over Salzburg. In 1809, following Austria's defeat at Wagram, the territory of Salzburg was transferred to the Kingdom of Bavaria. This transfer stripped Salzburg of its connection to Austria, marking a notable shift in the region's political landscape. Nonetheless, Salzburg's ties to Austria were not permanently severed. In 1816, after the Congress of Vienna and the Treaty of Munich, Salzburg was returned to the Austrian Empire, regaining its status as an integral part of the Empire's territories.
The city of Salzburg continued to flourish and played a significant role in Austrian history. It became a centre of the Counter-Reformation in the 17th century, with numerous Baroque churches and monasteries constructed during this period. The city's architectural splendour and dramatic setting, surrounded by mountains and straddling the Salzach River, have made it a renowned destination. Salzburg's historic centre, known for its Baroque architecture, is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Austria's Serfs: Emancipation and a New Era
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Salzburg's transfer to the Kingdom of Bavaria in 1809
The Treaty of Schönbrunn of 1809 formalised the transfer of Salzburg to the Kingdom of Bavaria. The territory was released to Bavaria in 1810, where it remained until the end of the Napoleonic Wars. The transfer was also a result of the Peace of Pressburg, which saw the Duchy of Salzburg annexed by the newly established Austrian Empire.
After the Napoleonic Wars, the Salzburg lands were returned to Austria through the Treaty of Munich in 1816. However, some territories, such as Rupertiwinkel and the former Prince-Provostry of Berchtesgaden, remained in Bavaria. Salzburg was integrated into the Province of Salzach and ruled from Linz. The transfer of Salzburg to Bavaria in 1809 was, therefore, a temporary arrangement during a period of political upheaval in Europe.
Exploring Austrian Flat Costs: A Comprehensive Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$35.84 $40.95
Salzburg's return to Austria in 1816
Salzburg has a rich history that dates back to the Stone Age, with the traditional beginning of the city traced to the establishment of the Roman town of Juvavum around 15 BC. Over the centuries, Salzburg underwent various transformations and played a significant role in the region's political and cultural landscape.
In the context of Salzburg's return to Austria in 1816, it is essential to understand the preceding events. During the Napoleonic Wars, which marked the beginning of the 19th century, Salzburg's long-held independence came to an end. The city became part of the Austrian Empire in 1805, along with the Berchtesgaden Provostry. However, in 1809, following Austria's defeat at Wagram, the territory of Salzburg was transferred to the Kingdom of Bavaria.
The Congress of Vienna, which took place in 1814 and 1815, sealed the end of the Napoleonic era. On May 1, 1816, as a result of the Treaty of Munich, Salzburg officially returned to Austrian rule. However, this time, Salzburg was not an independent entity within the Habsburg Empire but a district of the Archduchy "Österreich ob der Enns", administered from Linz. This arrangement lasted until 1850.
The return of Salzburg to Austria in 1816 was significant, but it also occurred during a challenging period. The year 1816 is famously known as the "Year Without a Summer" due to the eruption of a volcano in Indonesia in 1815, which caused dramatic climate changes and harvest failures across continental Europe. Salzburg, along with regions like Tirol and Upper Austria, experienced the brunt of these natural disasters, leading to famines and despair among the farming communities.
Despite these challenges, Salzburg continued to play an essential role in the cultural and intellectual life of the region. By the late 19th century, the city had begun to recover and modernize, attracting intellectuals and elites from across Austria and Germany. The iconic Salzburg Festival, founded in 1920, further contributed to the city's cultural significance.
Austria's Religion During WWII: A Historical Perspective
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Salzburg's annexation to Nazi Germany in 1938
The annexation of Salzburg to Nazi Germany in 1938 was part of the broader annexation of Austria, known as the Anschluss. This event was the culmination of years of increasing Nazi influence in Austria and the desire of many Austrians to join Germany.
The idea of uniting Austria and Germany to form a "Greater Germany" had existed since the 1871 unification of Germany, which excluded Austrian Germans. Support for the union grew after the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918, and the subsequent Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye in 1919, which forbade the union of the two countries and stripped Austria of some of its territories.
In the 1930s, the Nazi Party in Austria began to gain popularity, particularly after Hitler came to power in Germany in 1933. Austrian Nazis attempted to seize the Austrian government by force and unite with Germany, leading to a conspiracy that was discovered by Austrian Chancellor Kurt von Schuschnigg. Schuschnigg met with Hitler to reassert Austria's independence but was pressured into naming several top Austrian Nazis to his cabinet. Despite this, Hitler publicly denied any intention to annex Austria in a speech at the Reichstag.
By 1937, Germany's rapid rearmament increased its interest in annexing Austria, which was rich in raw materials and labour. On March 11, 1938, Schuschnigg called a national vote to resolve the question of the Anschluss, but before the vote could take place, he resigned under pressure from Hitler. On March 12, German troops marched into Austria, and the country was annexed to Nazi Germany. This marked the first act of territorial expansion by Nazi Germany, and it violated the Treaty of Versailles and the Treaty of Saint-Germain.
Salzburg, as a part of Austria, was also annexed to Nazi Germany during this time. During the Nazi occupation, a Romani camp was built in Salzburg-Maxglan, providing slave labour to local industries. The city was also the location of five subcamps of the Dachau concentration camp, and many of its Jewish citizens and political opponents were arrested and deported to concentration camps. Salzburg was a target during World War II, and Allied bombing destroyed a significant portion of the city's buildings.
Explore Europe: Countries to Visit Alongside Austria
You may want to see also
Salzburg's role as a tourist resort and international conference centre
Salzburg, the fourth-largest city in Austria, is known for its dramatic setting and Baroque architecture. The city's history dates back to the Stone Age, with the traditional beginning marked by the establishment of the Roman town of Juvavum around 15 BC. Over the centuries, Salzburg has been influenced by various empires and undergone significant development, including the construction of the Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe.
Today, Salzburg is a popular tourist destination, renowned for its picturesque old town, impressive river embankment, and cultural attractions. The city's historic centre, Altstadt, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its well-preserved Baroque architecture. The annual Salzburg Festival, founded in 1920, attracts thousands of visitors with its diverse range of artistic and musical performances. The city is also known for its association with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who was born in Salzburg in 1756.
The Wyndham Grand Salzburg Conference Centre is a prominent example of the city's ability to cater to both business travellers and tourists. The hotel offers 16 modern event spaces, accommodating various events, and provides easy access to nearby attractions, including the old town and the Salzach River embankment. The conference centre's sustainability initiatives have earned eco-labels and certifications, contributing to its appeal.
In addition to its cultural and historical attractions, Salzburg's natural surroundings, including the snow-capped Alps, make it an ideal destination for hikers, mountain climbers, and skiers. The city's stunning landscape, architectural splendour, and diverse offerings make it a sought-after choice for international conferences and leisure travellers alike.
Austria's High-Downforce Track: What's the Secret?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Austria annexed Salzburg to expand its empire and increase its influence in the region. Salzburg was a valuable territory due to its strategic location and resources.
Austria first annexed Salzburg in 1805, along with the Berchtesgaden Provostry. However, in 1809, after Austria's defeat at Wagram, Salzburg was transferred to the Kingdom of Bavaria. In 1816, Salzburg was returned to Austria through the Treaty of Munich, but without Rupertigau and Berchtesgaden, which remained with Bavaria.
The annexation of Salzburg by Austria had a significant impact on the city's development and culture. It became integrated into the Province of Salzach and was ruled from Linz. Salzburg's status was later restored as the capital of the Duchy of Salzburg, a crownland of the Austrian Empire. The city experienced urban development and became a centre of culture, attracting intellectuals and elites from across Austria and Germany.
