Austria in the twentieth century

These fourteen essays by prominent Austrian historians and political scientists provide a comprehensive introduction to Austria's political history, alongside insights into its economic and social trends. Austria's twentieth-century history is marked by dramatic turning points, divided into three key periods. The first section covers 1900-1938, highlighting the social and political unrest under the late Habsburg monarchy, which led to World War I and the empire's collapse. The First Austrian Republic emerged amid political and economic crises, struggling with civil unrest until democracy fell to an authoritarian regime in 1933, facing pressures from Nazi Germany. The second section examines World War II (1938-1945), detailing Austria's annexation by Hitler and the complex responses of the population, including collaboration, resistance, and flight. The final section focuses on the Second Republic (1945 to present), detailing Austria's recovery post-occupation and the establishment of a functioning democracy and economic prosperity following the 1955 Austrian State Treaty. With the end of the Cold War and EU membership in 1995, Austria has navigated recent political shifts marked by populism, moving away from its traditional political economy. This insightful volume serves as a valuable resource for courses on Austrian, German, and European history, as well as comparative European politics.