History Of Austria

For a small, prosperous country in the middle of Europe, modern Austria has a very large and complex history, extending far beyond its current borders. In a gripping narrative supported by beautiful illustrations, Steven Beller traces the remarkable career of Austria from German borderland to successful Alpine republic.

Two manuscripts in one book: History of Austria: A Captivating Guide to Austrian History The Habsburg Empire: A Captivating Guide to the House of Austria and the Impact the Habsburgs Had on the Holy Roman Empire When Austrian President Franz Jonas visited the Vatican in 1971, Pope Paul VI named Austria "the Island of the Blessed." He did so to emphasize Austria's steep recovery. Only twenty-five years had passed since the end of the Second World War, and Austria was already one of the most prosperous European countries. One might argue that Austria was always a rich country, and during the times of its Habsburg rulers, it certainly was. But after the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Austria was lost between two worlds-its German heritage and its multi-ethnic nation. As such, it was easy for Nazi Germany to hijack Austria, integrate it in its anti-Semitic scheme, and make it defy the whole Western world. Austria was deeply involved in the atrocities of World War II, but somehow, it managed to rise above it quicker than anyone would expect. Since its beginning as the Eastern March, through the rise of its ruling Habsburg dynasty, and through many ideological and ethnic wars, Austria managed to maintain its unique personality, although it never really had a strictly defined identity. It is no wonder many scholars like to describe the history of Austria as one without a nation. In modern society, it is not always clear how a country could exist without a nation, so if you are curious to understand how this is possible, continue reading to understand the complex series of events that led to the foundation of modern-day Austria and the modern Austrian identity. Some of the topics covered in part 1 of this book include: When Austria was first mentioned by its name Österreich The Roman Lime and how it related to Austria The Babenbergs, the earliest rulers of Austria How the Habsburgs took over the rule What A.E.I.O.U. stands for and how it translates to the divine right to rule Learn all about the Habsburgs as Holy Roman emperors How Austria dealt with the Reformation and the Counter-Reformation The enlightened rulers of the Habsburg Empire How the dual monarchy of Austria-Hungary came to be Learn more about the revolution in central Europe and the rise of the Slavs Who shot Franz Ferdinand and how the Great War really started How Austria joined Germany and became a Nazi state Some of the topics covered in part 2 of this book include: Who were the Habsburgs, and where did they come from? Personal traits of various Habsburg rulers The family feuds and religious and national splits The cultural influence of the Habsburgs on Europe The governmental innovations of different Habsburg rulers The enlightened rulers of central Europe Maria Theresa, one of the strongest Habsburg rulers How did the end of the Holy Roman Empire come about? How did a Bosnian-Serb bring about the end of the Austro-Hungarian Empire? Where are the Habsburgs today? And much more! So if you want to learn more about the History of Austria and the Habsburg Empire, scroll up and click the "add to cart" button!

For a small, prosperous country in the middle of Europe, modern Austria has a very large and complex history, extending far beyond its current borders. Today's Austrians have a problematic relationship with that history, whether with the multi-national history of the Habsburg Monarchy, or with the time between 1938 and 1945 when Austrians were Germans in Hitler's Third Reich. Steven Beller's gripping and comprehensive account traces the remarkable career of Austria through its many transformations, from German borderland, to dynastic enterprise, imperial house, Central European great power, failed Alpine republic, German province, and then successful Alpine republic, building up a picture of the layers of Austrian identity and heritage and their diverse sources. It is a story full of anomalies and ironies, a case study of the other side of European history, without the easy answers of more clearly national narratives, and hence far more relevant to today's world.

The fourteen essays in this volume include works by leading Austrian historians and political scientists. Collectively it serves as a basic introduction to a small but trend-setting European country. It is also a basic up-to-date outline of Austria's political history, shedding light on economic and social trends as well. No European country has experienced more dramatic turning points in its twentieth-century history than Austria. This volume divides the century into three periods. Section I deals with the years 1900-1938. The First Austrian Republic (established in the aftermath of World War I) was one of the succession states that tried to build a nation against the backdrop of political and economic crisis and a simmering civil war. Democracy collapsed in 1933 and an authoritarian regime attempted to prevail against pressures from Nazi Germany and Nazis at home. Section II covers World War II. In 1938, Hitler's "Third Reich" annexed Austria and the population was pulled into the cauldron of World War II fighting and collaborating with the Nazis, and also resisting and fleeing them. Section III concentrates on the Second Republic (1945 to the present). After ten years of four-power Allied occupation, Austria regained her sovereignty with the Austrian State Treaty of 1955. The price paid was neutrality. Unlike the turmoil of the prewar years after 1955, Austria became a "normal" nation with a functioning democracy, one building toward economic prosperity. After the collapse of the "iron curtain" in 1989, Austria turned westward, joining the European Union in 1995. Most recently, with the advent of populist politics, Austria's political system has experienced a sea of change, departing from its political economy of a huge state-owned sector and social partnership. This insightful volume will serve as a textbook in courses on Austrian, German and European history, as well as in comparative European politics.

An overview of the Austria's recent history written for the general reader and the student.

The historian Lonnie Johnson provides in compact form a comprehensive overview of Austria's rich past and present. Each chapter and subchapter approaches Austria's diverse, thousand-year-old heritage from a different perspective to illuminate its essential features. In detailing Austria's turbulent history from 1918 to the present, controversial issues are presented objectively and without oversimplification. Overall the book conveys a differentiated picture of the country and its people which gives readers a feeling for the continuity and change of the Austrian idea.