Austria in the 1930s faced a turbulent and challenging decade. The country was still relatively new. It had emerged from the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire after World War I. This left Austria much smaller and less powerful.
The Great Depression hit Austria hard. The global economic crisis caused widespread unemployment. Businesses struggled, and many people faced poverty. This economic instability fueled political unrest.
Austrian politics were deeply divided. The two main political forces were the Christian Social Party and the Social Democratic Workers’ Party. These groups had very different visions for the country’s future. Their supporters often clashed.
There were also paramilitary groups associated with both main parties. The ‘Heimwehr’ was linked to the Christian Socials. The ‘Republikanischer Schutzbund’ was aligned with the Social Democrats. These groups sometimes engaged in violent confrontations.
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In 1933, Engelbert Dollfuss, of the Christian Social Party, became Chancellor. He took increasingly authoritarian measures. He aimed to consolidate power and suppress opposition. Dollfuss dissolved parliament. He banned other political parties.
Dollfuss established a one-party state. It was known as the ‘Ständestaat’, or Corporate State. This system was based on Catholic social teaching and corporatist ideas. It was not a democratic system.
In 1934, there was a brief but violent civil war. The Social Democrats, who had been outlawed, rose up against the government. The uprising was quickly crushed. This further solidified Dollfuss’s control.
Dollfuss was assassinated in July 1934. This happened during a failed coup attempt by Austrian Nazis. Kurt Schuschnigg took over as Chancellor. He continued the authoritarian policies of his predecessor.
The rise of Nazi Germany, led by Adolf Hitler, posed a major external threat. Hitler, who was born in Austria, wanted to annex Austria to Germany. This idea, known as ‘Anschluss’, was popular among some Austrians.
Schuschnigg’s government tried to maintain Austria’s independence. They faced increasing pressure from both Nazi Germany and Austrian Nazis. The situation grew more precarious.
Austrian culture continued to thrive, despite the political turmoil. Vienna remained a center for music, art, and literature. Famous figures like Sigmund Freud continued their work, although Freud, who was Jewish, would later flee the country.
Daily life for ordinary Austrians was marked by uncertainty. The political divisions and economic hardship created a tense atmosphere. Many people struggled to make ends meet.
In March 1938, Germany annexed Austria. This event, the ‘Anschluss’, ended Austria’s existence as an independent state. It marked the culmination of years of internal strife and external pressure. The Nazi’s marched unopposed.
