Lexi Webster
Austria, officially the Republic of Austria, is a landlocked country in Central Europe with a rich history. The region has been inhabited since the Paleolithic period, with various tribes and empires occupying the area over the centuries. From the remnants of the Eastern and Hungarian March, Austria emerged as a unified state at the end of the first millennium. Over time, it evolved from a frontier march to a duchy, and eventually an
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Native name | Österreich |
| Language | German |
| Population | 8,117,754 (2003) to 9 million (current) |
| Ethnic groups | Germans 98%, Croats, Slovenes, Hungarians, Czechs, Slovaks, and Roma |
| Religion | Roman Catholic 73.6%, Lutheran 4.7%, Muslim 4.2%, other 5.5%, no confession 12.0% |
| Government type | Semi-presidential representative democracy |
| Head of state | Federal president |
| Head of government | Chancellor |
| Legislature | Bicameral Federal Assembly (Parliament) |
| Area | 83,879 km2 (32,386 sq mi) |
| Neighbours | Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein |
| Highest elevation | Grossglockner (12,460 feet [3,798 meters]) |
| History | Annexed by the Romans in the late 1st century BC, became a Duchy in 1156, Archduchy in 1453, Austrian Empire in 1806, Austrian-Hungarian Empire in 1867, Republic of German-Austria in 1918, First Austrian Republic in 1919, annexed by Nazi Germany in 1938, liberated in 1945, regained sovereignty and declared neutrality in 1955 |
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What You'll Learn
Austria's history as a unified state
The area that is now Austria has been inhabited since the Paleolithic period, with the first known settlers being the Celts around 400 BC. The Celtic Kingdom of Noricum, which included most of modern-day Austria, was conquered by the Roman Empire in 16 BC and made into a province called Noricum, which lasted until 476. In the 5th and 6th centuries, the region was Christianised during the late Roman period. In the 6th century, the Bavarii, a Germanic people, occupied these lands until they fell to the Frankish Empire in the 9th century.
In 976, Leopold von Babenberg became the margrave of the Ostmark, and in 996, the Ostmark was first referred to as "Ostarrichi", a forerunner of the modern German word "Österreich", meaning "eastern realm". From 996 to 1806, Austria was part of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation and was also a margravate of the Duchy of Bavaria. In 1156, Austria became an independent duchy of the Holy Roman Empire and was elevated to an archduchy in 1453.
In 1273, the House of Habsburg came to dominate Austria, and it remained a major imperial power in Central Europe for centuries. In 1804, two years before the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire, Austria established its own empire, which became one of the largest states in Europe. In 1867, the empire's defeat and loss of territories in the 1860s led to the establishment of Austria-Hungary, a dual monarchy with Hungary.
After World War I, the Austro-Hungarian Empire collapsed, and Austria was reduced to its current frontiers, mostly German-speaking areas of the former empire. It adopted the name Republic of German-Austria in 1918, but union with Germany was forbidden by the Allies at the Treaty of Versailles. This led to the creation of the First Austrian Republic in 1919.
In 1938, Austria was annexed by Nazi Germany and ceased to exist as an independent country. During World War II, Austria was a sub-national division of Germany. After the war, Austria was occupied by Allied forces until 1955, when it regained its sovereignty and declared its perpetual neutrality.
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The Austrian Empire's defeat in WWI
The Austrian Empire's defeat in World War I marked a significant turning point in the history of Austria, leading to a series of events that shaped the country's future.
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914 served as the catalyst for the Empire's entry into World War I, as Emperor Franz Joseph declared war on Serbia. This declaration rapidly escalated the conflict into a global war. Austria-Hungary, a multi-national constitutional monarchy in Central Europe, found itself in a precarious position as the war progressed. The duality of the Habsburg monarchy became evident, with the Austrian parliament being suspended in March 1914, while its Hungarian counterpart continued to function, showcasing less amenability to military dictation.
The Austro-Hungarian Empire, weakened by its defeat in the Austro-Prussian War of 1866, faced challenges in maintaining its multi-ethnic and religiously diverse empire. The kingdom of Hungary desired equal status with the Austrian Empire, which further complicated the dynamics within the empire. The Compromise of 1867 turned the Habsburg domains into a real union between the Austrian Empire and the Kingdom of Hungary, with co-equal power and unified diplomatic and defence policies. However, tensions persisted, and the empire's defeat in World War I exacerbated existing issues.
As the war took its toll, the collapse of Bulgaria and the appeal for an armistice by Austria-Hungary on October 4, 1918, marked a critical juncture. The emperor Charles granted autonomy to the peoples of the Austrian Empire on October 16, but this concession was largely ignored internationally. Instead, it accelerated the process of disruption within the monarchy, with various groups declaring their independence or forming committees to establish independent states. The Hungarians, Czechoslovaks, Poles, Croats, and Germans within the empire began asserting their national identities and seeking autonomy or unification with other states.
The defeat in World War I ultimately led to the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918, reducing Austria to its current frontiers, primarily German-speaking areas. This defeat and collapse paved the way for the proclamation of the Republic of German-Austria in 1918 and the First Austrian Republic in 1919. The interwar period witnessed the rise of anti-parliamentarian sentiments, culminating in an Austrofascist dictatorship under Engelbert Dollfuss in 1934. The aftermath of World War I and the Treaty of Versailles also played a role in shaping Austria's future, as union with Germany and the chosen country name "German-Austria" were forbidden by the Allies, influencing the country's path toward independence.
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Austria's annexation by Nazi Germany
Austria's existence as an independent country was interrupted by its annexation by Nazi Germany in 1938. This event, known as the Anschluss, took place between March 11 and March 13, 1938, when German troops invaded Austria and incorporated it into the German Reich.
In the lead-up to the Anschluss, Austria had been experiencing economic difficulties, including high unemployment and unstable commerce and industry, similar to the situation in Germany. By 1937, rapid German rearmament had increased Berlin's interest in annexing Austria, which was rich in raw materials and labour. Despite Austrian efforts to maintain independence, the Austrian Nazis began a terrorism campaign, and public opinion turned in favour of annexation.
On March 9, 1938, Kurt Schuschnigg, the Austrian Chancellor, called for a national vote on the question of the Anschluss. However, before the vote could take place, Schuschnigg resigned on March 11, under pressure from Hitler. In his resignation address, he urged Austrian forces not to resist a German "advance" into the country. The following day, Hitler entered Austria with German troops, where they were met with enthusiastic crowds.
Hitler appointed a new Nazi government, and on March 13, the annexation was officially proclaimed. Austria ceased to exist as an independent country and became a sub-national division of Nazi Germany. The Aryanisation of Jewish Austrians' wealth began immediately, with Adolf Eichmann ordered to persecute the Jews. This culminated in the Kristallnacht riots and violence of November 9-10, 1938, during which Jews and Jewish institutions were attacked in several Austrian cities.
Austria remained a federal state of Germany until the end of World War II, when the Allied powers declared the Anschluss void and re-established an independent Austria. In 1945, Austria was liberated, and after a decade of Allied occupation, the country regained its sovereignty and declared its perpetual neutrality in 1955.
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Austria's liberation and independence
In the first millennium, Austria emerged as a unified state, becoming a Duchy in 1156 and an Archduchy in 1453. From the 16th century onwards, Vienna served as the administrative capital of the Holy Roman Empire, solidifying Austria's importance in Central Europe. However, the empire's defeat and collapse in the 19th century led to significant changes. In 1867, Austria formed a dual monarchy with Hungary, known as the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914 sparked World War I and ultimately led to the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918. As a result, Austria was reduced to its mostly German-speaking areas and proclaimed itself the Republic of German-Austria. However, this union with Germany was forbidden by the Allies at the Treaty of Versailles, leading to the creation of the First Austrian Republic in 1919.
The interwar period was marked by anti-parliamentarian sentiments and the rise of an Austrofascist dictatorship under Engelbert Dollfuss in 1934. Despite efforts by Kurt Schuschnigg and others to maintain Austrian independence, the country was annexed by Nazi Germany in 1938, known as the "Anschluss." During this time, Austria ceased to exist as an independent country, and its Jewish population was persecuted and stripped of their assets.
However, Austria's liberation came in 1945 with the defeat of Nazi Germany. On April 27, 1945, Austria was declared independent from Nazi Germany, and the Allied occupation began. The country regained its sovereignty and declared its perpetual neutrality in 1955, marking the end of the occupation. Austria then established itself as a semi-presidential representative democracy, with a popularly elected president and a high standard of living.
In summary, Austria's liberation and independence have been shaped by complex historical events, including the rise and fall of empires, dictatorships, and foreign occupations. Through perseverance and determination, Austria has emerged as a stable, democratic, and culturally rich nation, contributing to international organizations like the United Nations and the European Union.
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Austria's modern-day government
Austria, officially the Republic of Austria, is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is a federation of nine states, with the capital, Vienna, being the most populous city and state. The country is governed according to the principles of representative democracy and the rule of law. The political system in Austria is that of a federal semi-presidential republic, with a President (Bundespräsident) serving as head of state and a Chancellor (Bundeskanzler) as head of government. The President of Austria is elected by popular vote for a term of six years and is limited to two consecutive terms in office. The Chancellor, on the other hand, is appointed by the President and has no power to direct other members of the government. The Chancellor does, however, preside over cabinet meetings, which are composed of federal ministers responsible for their respective ministries.
Austria's history has been marked by significant changes in its territorial extent and political system. After World War I, the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy dissolved, and Austria's First Republic (1918-1938) was established, making pioneering reforms in the 1920s. However, the country gradually fell under Austrofascist rule between 1933 and 1934, with Chancellor Engelbert Dollfuss assuming dictatorial powers. In 1938, Austria was annexed by Nazi Germany, becoming a sub-national division.
Following World War II, Austria regained its independence and established the Second Republic. The country declared its permanent neutrality in 1955, withdrawing from the influence of the Allied troops. This period marked the beginning of a stable and socially progressive nation, with a thriving cultural life. Today, Austria continues to be a member of the European Union, known for its high standards of living and flourishing cultural scene.
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Frequently asked questions
Austria, officially the Republic of Austria, is a country that has existed in various forms throughout history. The area that is now Austria has been inhabited since the Paleolithic period, with evidence of Celtic settlement dating back to around 400 BC. Over time, Austria has been influenced by various cultures and empires, including the Romans, Germanic tribes, and the Holy Roman Empire. After World War I, the multinational Austro-Hungarian Empire collapsed, and Austria became a republic. Despite periods of occupation and annexation, Austria regained its independence and established itself as a stable, democratic, and socially progressive nation.
The name "Austria" is derived from the Latinisation of the German name "Österreich", which comes from the Old High German "Ostarrîchi", meaning "eastern realm". The term first appeared in the "Ostarrîchi document" in 996 AD.
Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, bordered by several countries, including Germany, the Czech Republic, and Italy. The Austrian landscape is characterised by its mountainous regions, particularly the Austrian Alps, which form the physical backbone of the country. These geographical features have influenced human habitation and transportation routes throughout history.
Austria has a rich history that has shaped its current identity. After the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918, Austria experienced social and economic turbulence, including a brief period of dictatorship under Engelbert Dollfuss. Following World War II, Austria regained its independence and established permanent neutrality, enabling the development of a stable and culturally flourishing nation. Today, Austria is a parliamentary democracy with a high standard of living and strong international relations.
