Historical Encyclopedia
Austria, as one of the Central Powers of Europe, played a significant role in both world wars, which had a profound impact on its political, social, and economic development. World War I (1914-1918) and World War II (1939-1945) changed not only the fate of Austria itself but also the fates of millions of people around the world.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the Austrian Empire was in a state of political instability and national tension. Numerous ethnic groups, including Austrians, Hungarians, Czechs, Serbs, and others, lived in the empire, leading to internal conflicts and struggles for autonomy. A significant factor that contributed to the onset of war was the rise of nationalist sentiments and the escalation of relations between Austria-Hungary and Serbia.
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo in 1914 became the trigger for the outbreak of World War I. The Austrian Empire, supported by Germany, declared war on Serbia, leading to a chain reaction that involved other countries in the conflict. Within weeks, the system of alliances and confrontations resulted in much of Europe being at war.
The Austrian army entered the war with hopes of quick victories. Initially, Austrian forces faced setbacks on the front, particularly against Serbia and Russia. However, in 1915 the situation changed with the entry of Italy into the war on the side of the Entente, requiring Austria to redistribute its forces and resources.
The Austrian army fought on several fronts, including the Italian, Russian, and Western fronts. Despite significant efforts, the war proved to be protracted and exhausting. Economic hardships, resource shortages, and high casualties undermined the morale and combat capability of the Austrian troops.
By 1917, after a series of defeats, Austria and its allies began to experience serious difficulties. In 1918, the situation on the front became critical, and in October, Austria-Hungary signed an armistice, bringing an end to its participation in the war. As a result of the war, the empire disintegrated into several independent states, such as Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and Yugoslavia.
The defeat in World War I was a severe blow to the Austrian people. Revolutionary sentiments erupted in the country, and in November 1918, the Republic of Austria was proclaimed. This event marked the end of the centuries-old rule of the Habsburg dynasty.
In the interwar period, Austria faced serious economic and political problems. The country's economy was devastated by the war, and attempts to restore it were unsuccessful. Political instability led to the rise of extremist movements, including socialists and national socialists.
In 1934, Austria experienced a civil conflict known as the "February battles," resulting in an authoritarian government coming to power under Chancellor Engelbert Dollfuß. This government sought to prevent the influence of the Nazis and maintain the country's independence, but each year the pressure from Germany increased.
In 1938, taking advantage of the political instability and the support of some Austrians, Nazi Germany executed the annexation of Austria — the Anschluss. This event became a pivotal moment in history, leading to the loss of Austria's independence. Austria was declared part of the Third Reich, and many Austrians became participants in the Nazi regime.
During World War II, the Austrian economy was integrated into the German one, and many Austrians served in the Wehrmacht. Austrians participated in various military campaigns, including Operation Barbarossa against the Soviet Union. However, not all Austrians supported the Nazi regime, and there was resistance within the country, including the group "Red Cloaks."
In 1945, after the defeat of Nazi Germany, Austria once again found itself amidst the ruins of war. The country was divided into occupation zones among the Allied powers: the USA, the USSR, Great Britain, and France. This period of occupation lasted until 1955 and became a time of recovery and reconstruction of the country.
In 1955, a State Treaty was signed, restoring Austria's independence. However, the terms of the treaty required the country to maintain neutrality and not enter military alliances. This neutrality became a key aspect of Austria's foreign policy in the following decades.
Austria underwent significant changes during World War I and World War II, which had a profound impact on its fate. The destruction of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Anschluss, and the subsequent occupation led to a transformation of the political map of Europe and the formation of a new Austrian identity. Despite the severe consequences, Austria was able to regain its independence and choose a path of neutrality, which became the foundation of its post-war policy.