Geschichte: Österreich in der Zwischenkriegszeit einfach und kurz erklärt

Summary

This video covers Austria's turbulent history between 1918 and 1938, exploring the aftermath of World War I, the rise of Austrofascism, and the eventual annexation by Nazi Germany. Following the war, Austria became a democratic republic but faced severe economic struggles and political tensions. Key events include the establishment of a single-party state under Engelbert Dollfuss, the rise of political violence, and Austria's alignment with Nazi Germany. The narrative culminates in the Anschluss, when Austria was incorporated into the Third Reich, ending its independence.

Takeaways

• 😀 The end of World War I in November 1918 marked the downfall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, leading to the creation of the Democratic Republic of Austria.
• 😀 Austria was left severely weakened after the war, with territorial losses and reparations, and the Anschluss to Germany was initially considered but forbidden by the victors.
• 😀 Austria's new republican government faced challenges in its early years, including high unemployment, food shortages, and civil unrest.
• 😀 The first democratic elections allowed women to vote, and a coalition government was formed between the Social Democrats and Christian Social Party, though it broke down by 1920.
• 😀 Despite efforts at reform, including social welfare improvements, the economic conditions in Austria worsened after the Great Depression of 1929, leading to high unemployment.
• 😀 Tensions between political parties escalated, with both the Christian Social Party and the Social Democrats maintaining armed militias, leading to violent clashes and even a civil war.
• 😀 In 1933, Chancellor Engelbert Dollfuss dissolved the parliament, banned opposing parties, and established a one-party state under the Fatherland Front, effectively creating the Austrofascist regime.
• 😀 The suppression of political opposition led to the banning of the Social Democratic and National Socialist parties, and civil conflict resulted in over 300 deaths.
• 😀 Dollfuss's assassination in 1934 by National Socialists led to a failed coup, and Kurt Schuschnigg became Chancellor, continuing the Austrofascist policies.
• 😀 In 1938, facing the threat of a German invasion, Schuschnigg resigned, allowing Nazi Germany to annex Austria, marking the Anschluss and Austria's integration into the Third Reich.

Q & A

What happened at the end of World War I for Austria-Hungary?

At the end of World War I, Austria-Hungary, known as the Dual Monarchy, was defeated, leading to the abdication of Emperor Karl I and the dissolution of the empire.

What was the significance of the establishment of the First Republic of Austria?

The establishment of the First Republic of Austria in 1918 marked the formation of a democratic state, with the provisional National Assembly led by Karl Renner declaring Austria as a republic.

Why was the Anschluss (union) with Germany prohibited after World War I?

The Anschluss was prohibited by the victorious Allied powers, who forbade Austria from adopting the name 'Deutschösterreich' (German Austria) or joining with Germany to prevent further expansion of German influence in Europe.

What territorial losses did Austria face under the Treaty of Saint-Germain?

Under the Treaty of Saint-Germain, Austria lost significant territories, including the creation of independent states such as Hungary and Slovakia, and cessions to Italy, Romania, and Poland. The remaining Austrian territory was only 12% of the pre-war size.

What were the key socio-political challenges faced by Austria in the early years after World War I?

Austria faced severe economic difficulties, including food shortages, high unemployment, and poverty, leading to demonstrations, strikes, and public unrest in the early years after World War I.

How did Austria recover economically in the early 1920s?

Austria began recovering economically with a loan from the League of Nations, a currency reform, and agricultural improvements that enabled the country to feed its population.

How did the global economic crisis of 1929 affect Austria?

The global economic crisis of 1929 hit Austria hard, causing widespread economic problems, including high unemployment and a resurgence of social tensions.

What were the main political groups involved in Austria's internal conflicts during the early 1930s?

The main political groups involved were the Christian Social Party, the Social Democrats, and their respective paramilitary wings—the Heimwehr and the Republikanischer Schutzbund—who engaged in violent clashes.

What was the significance of Engelbert Dollfuss's actions in 1933?

In 1933, Engelbert Dollfuss dissolved Austria's parliament, ruling without it and establishing a one-party state under the Vaterländische Front, which banned the Social Democrats and the Nazis, leading to increased political repression.

What led to Austria's Anschluss with Nazi Germany in 1938?

The Anschluss in 1938 occurred after Engelbert Dollfuss's assassination, the failure of the anti-Nazi government, and the resignation of Chancellor Kurt Schuschnigg in the face of Nazi pressure. This resulted in the peaceful occupation of Austria by Nazi German troops.