Damon Mcknight
Austria was jointly occupied by the Western Allies and the Soviet Union from 1945 until 1955. The country was divided into four occupation zones, with Vienna being collectively administered by the Allied Control Council. The Soviet Union's presence in Austria was marked by the expropriation of over 450 formerly German-owned businesses, the seizure of oil fields, and the appropriation of media outlets such as Radio Austria. The struggle for succession after Stalin's death in 1953 led to a shift in the Soviet occupation regime, with the release of Austrian POWs and the Soviet agreement to pay for its own occupation costs. In 1955, the Austrian State Treaty was signed, granting Austria full independence in exchange for a promise of perpetual neutrality. The last occupation troops left Austria on October 25, 1955, marking the end of the Soviet presence in the country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year Soviets left Austria | 1955 |
| Date of Austrian independence | 15 May 1955 |
| Date last occupation troops left | 25 October 1955 |
| Austrian State Treaty came into force | 27 July 1955 |
| Austrian declaration of neutrality | 26 October 1955 |
| Date of Stalin's death | March 1953 |
| Soviet businesses close to bankruptcy | 450+ |
| Total war reparations | $1.54 billion - $2.65 billion |
| US refunds for occupation costs | $300 million |
| US Marshall Plan aid to Austria | $1 billion |
| US humanitarian aid to Austria | $0.5 billion |
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What You'll Learn
Austria's status as a capitalist society
Austria's status as a capitalist country in 1955 was a complex matter, shaped by historical circumstances and the country's unique position in the Cold War era.
In the aftermath of World War II, Austria was jointly occupied by the Western Allies (the United States, the United Kingdom, and France) and the Soviet Union, reflecting the emerging bipolar world order. This occupation lasted until 1955, when the Austrian State Treaty came into force on July 27, 1955, ending the occupation and granting Austria full independence.
During the occupation, Austria underwent a process of denazification and reconstruction, with significant economic and political exploitation by the Soviets. Over 450 formerly German-owned businesses were expropriated by the Soviet Union, and by 1955, most of these companies were close to bankruptcy. This led to a decline in the economic value of Austrian reparations for the Soviets, who also had to bear the cost of occupation. As a result, Austria became more of an economic and political liability for the Soviet Union.
Austrian diplomats, on the other hand, seized the opportunity to strengthen ties with Western governments, laying the groundwork for the country's reintegration into Western Europe. The Marshall Plan played a crucial role in this process, with Austria receiving nearly $1 billion in aid, which contributed significantly to its national income. This aid, along with other factors, set the stage for Austria's trajectory towards capitalism and integration with the West.
Austria's political landscape during this time was characterized by competition among multiple political parties, including the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ), the Conservative Party, and the Freedom Party (FPÖ), which was founded in 1955. The country's constitution defines it as a federal semi-presidential republic, with a directly elected Federal President as the head of state and a Chancellor as the head of government.
In summary, by 1955, Austria was on a path towards capitalism and Western integration, facilitated by economic aid, diplomatic alliances, and a political environment conducive to free-market principles and democratic governance. The country's neutrality during the Cold War also contributed to its unique position as a buffer between the West and the Soviet bloc.
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The Khrushchev Thaw
The Soviet Union's departure from Austria in 1955 was influenced by a variety of factors, including the country's diminishing economic value, the rise of Nikita Khrushchev, and the broader context of the Cold War. This period, known as the "Khrushchev Thaw", offers crucial insights into the Soviet Union's foreign and domestic policies during the mid-1950s to mid-1960s.
On the international front, the Khrushchev Thaw was marked by Khrushchev's visits to China and Yugoslavia, as well as his meeting with Dwight Eisenhower, signalling a willingness for dialogue and improved relations. Khrushchev's foreign policy was guided by the principle of peaceful coexistence, which aimed for better relations with the West and a pan-European security system. This shift in foreign policy had a direct impact on Austria's status, as the Soviets sought to disentangle Austrian issues from German ones and move towards independence for Austria.
However, the Khrushchev Thaw was not without its complexities and contradictions. While it brought cultural openings and a degree of liberalisation, the period also witnessed repression, bans, and Stalinist regressions. Khrushchev's struggle for power within the Soviet leadership, including his ousting of Stalinists, demonstrates the tenuous nature of reform during this era.
In conclusion, the Khrushchev Thaw represents a significant shift in Soviet domestic and foreign policies during the mid-20th century. It offered a brief period of relative openness and détente, setting the stage for subsequent reforms and transformations in Soviet society and its relations with the world. The impact of the Khrushchev Thaw extended beyond the Soviet Union, influencing the course of history in Eastern Europe and contributing to the complex dynamics of the Cold War.
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Austria's promise of neutrality
Austria's declaration of neutrality was a strategic move influenced by the Cold War dynamics between East and West. It aimed to maintain its independence and sovereignty by not aligning with either the Eastern or Western blocs. This neutrality was also a condition set by the Soviet Union for granting Austria's independence, as they wanted to ensure that Austria would not become a military asset for their Cold War adversaries.
The Austrian State Treaty, which came into force on July 27, 1955, marked the official end of the Allied occupation of Austria. The treaty included Austria's commitment to neutrality, which was enacted as a constitutional act by the Austrian Parliament on October 26, 1955. This date, known as the first day without foreign troops in Austria, became a memorable national holiday.
Austria's neutrality entailed specific obligations and policies. The country vowed never to join any military alliances and to refrain from allowing foreign military bases on its territory. This stance was reflected in the Constitutional Law of 1955, which emphasised non-participation in wars and the defence of neutrality. Austria's interpretation of its neutrality also included active participation in international organisations and peacekeeping efforts, positioning itself as a mediator between East and West.
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The cost of occupation
The Soviet Union's occupation of Austria came at a significant cost, both financially and politically.
Financial Costs
The Soviet Union faced substantial financial costs during its occupation of Austria from 1945 to 1955. The USIA, the Soviet agency operating in Austria, faced bankruptcy due to the high costs of occupation, which amounted to 36 million Austrian shillings annually from 1953 onwards. This financial burden may have contributed to the Soviet decision to leave Austria.
War Reparations
In addition to the costs of occupation, the Soviet Union also received substantial war reparations from Austria. Total war reparations, including withdrawn USIA profits, looted property, and the final settlement agreed upon in 1955, are estimated to be between $1.54 billion and $2.65 billion.
Political Costs
The Soviet occupation of Austria also came at a political cost, particularly in terms of its relationship with Western powers and its impact on Soviet soldiers. The occupation contributed to tensions with the West, as Austria became a disputed territory during the Cold War. The Western strategy of rearming West Germany was unacceptable to the Soviets, who viewed Austria as a potential military asset and proposed a pan-European security system instead. However, the West suspected foul play and lacked confidence in the intentions of the Kremlin.
Additionally, the exposure of Soviet soldiers to Western influences during the occupation may have had disciplinary repercussions. As early as 1946-1947, the effects of foreign exposure were visible in the USSR, and by 1970, there were numerous cases of Soviet soldiers deserting their posts in Eastern Europe.
Strategic Costs
Austria's position as a neutral country also reduced its strategic value to the Soviet Union. Unlike East Germany, which provided a potential springboard to invade Western Europe, Austria did not offer the same geographical advantages. A neutral Austria formed a barrier that prevented a potential link between Western forces in Italy and Germany.
Domestic Costs
From a domestic perspective, the Soviet occupation of Austria may have had a negative impact on the Austrian people and their political elites. The occupation government was immense and involved a significant number of civilian Americans, British, French, and Soviet personnel. The fight for Austrian independence was complicated, involving intelligence matters, Communist strikes, and the Soviet seizure of media outlets and oil fields.
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The death of Stalin
The Soviet Union's departure from Austria in 1955 was influenced by various factors, including geopolitical strategy, economic considerations, and the internal dynamics within the Soviet leadership. Here is an overview of the context and reasons behind the Soviet withdrawal:
Geopolitical Factors
Austria's geographical position was a key consideration for the Soviet Union. Unlike East Germany, which provided a strategic springboard to invade Western Europe, Austria was not ideal for military purposes. The Danube River Valley, for example, was not considered a favourable option for military advancement. Additionally, a neutral Austria served as a convenient barrier, preventing a potential link between Western forces in Italy and Germany. This neutrality was a crucial condition for Austrian independence, along with no foreign military bases and guarantees against another Anschluss.
Economic Decline
By 1955, the majority of the over 450 formerly German-owned businesses expropriated by the Soviet Union were close to bankruptcy. This decline in economic value made Austria more of an economic liability than an asset for the Soviets. The cost of occupation, amounting to 36 million Austrian shillings annually since 1953, may have also contributed to the decision to leave.
Internal Soviet Dynamics
Western Aid and Relations
Austria received significant economic aid through the Marshall Plan, totalling nearly $1 billion, as well as additional humanitarian aid. This contributed to the country's reintegration into Western Europe and the building of alliances with Western governments. The Western strategy of rearming West Germany, however, was unacceptable to the Soviets and created tensions.
Austrian Diplomacy
Chancellor Julius Raab, elected in April 1953, steered Austria towards a more neutral policy. Raab carefully probed the Soviets about independence talks, and by 1955, Austrian independence became contingent on resolving the German issue. Molotov's initiative for Austrian independence, announced in February 1955, set forth conditions for neutrality, no foreign military bases, and guarantees against another Anschluss.
In summary, the Soviet departure from Austria in 1955 was influenced by a combination of geopolitical, economic, and diplomatic factors, as well as shifts in the Soviet leadership and their foreign policy approaches. The Austrian State Treaty, signed on May 15, 1955, cemented Austria's independence and neutrality, ending the Soviet occupation.
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Frequently asked questions
The Soviet Union left Austria in 1955 due to a variety of reasons, including:
- The election of Chancellor Julius Raab, who steered Austria towards a more neutral policy.
- The promise of Austrian neutrality, which was enacted in the Austrian parliament on 26 October 1955.
- The diminishing economic value of Austrian reparations and the high costs of occupation.
- The desire of Austrian diplomats to build alliances with Western governments.
- The emergence of Nikita Khrushchev as the dominant force in the politburo, which led to a new Austrian course under the banner of "peaceful existence".
The Austrian State Treaty, signed on 15 May 1955, was a crucial factor in the Soviets leaving Austria. It granted Austria full independence and ended the occupation that had begun after World War II. The treaty also included provisions for Austrian neutrality, which was a key condition for Soviet withdrawal.
Political factors included the struggle for succession after Stalin's death in 1953, which led to a more neutral occupation regime and the release of Austrian POWs. Economically, the value of Austrian reparations had diminished, and the costs of occupation were high, reaching 36 million Austrian shillings annually since 1953.
Diplomatic efforts played a significant role in the Soviet withdrawal from Austria. The Austrian government, led by Chancellor Julius Raab, carefully probed the Soviets about resuming independence talks. Molotov, a Soviet diplomat, put forward three conditions for Austrian independence: neutrality, no foreign military bases, and guarantees against a new Anschluss. These conditions were agreed upon in the Austrian State Treaty, signed by all four occupying powers (the US, UK, France, and the Soviet Union) on 15 May 1955.
