History of Austria

Empire of Austria ( ) For an almost incredibly long period Austria was ruled by members of the Habsburg dynasty. For an almost incredibly long period Austria was ruled by members of the Habsburg dynasty. From 1438 – 1806 they were also heads of the Holy Roman Empire

The Napoleonic Wars We never had much business with the Swedes from Scandinavia, but a lot of competition with the French. We never had much business with the Swedes from Scandinavia, but a lot of competition with the French. In the wars against Napoleon the Habsburgs lost a lot of territories. For a few years ( ) also Tyrol was handed over to Napoleon’s ally Bavaria.

Dual monarchy of Austria- Hungary ( ) The Danube monarchy, combined the two states, Austria and Hungary. The Danube monarchy, combined the two states, Austria and Hungary.

1st World War ( ) 1st World War ( ) The assassination of Franz Ferdinand, the Austrian heir to the throne, in Sarajevo was the spark that eventually led to the First World War. At the end of the war millions had died all over Europe and the Austrian Empire collapsed and disintegrated into a number of independent states. Only few believed that the tiny state of Austria which was left would be able to survive on ist own.

Republic of Austria ( ) With the end of World War I 600 years of the Habsburg dynasty came to end end. With the end of World War I 600 years of the Habsburg dynasty came to end end. Austria became a republic and introduced democracy.

2nd World War ( ) In 1938 German troops occupied Austria and was forced into World War II a year later. In 1938 German troops occupied Austria and was forced into World War II a year later.

Persecution of the Jews When the Nazis came into power in Austria they started a wave of violence against the Jews. Theft, expulsion and murder took place throughout the country. Those who could, fled in order to save their lives, because they faced the deportation to concentration camps. When the Nazis came into power in Austria they started a wave of violence against the Jews. Theft, expulsion and murder took place throughout the country. Those who could, fled in order to save their lives, because they faced the deportation to concentration camps.

Austria in the 2nd World War ► In April 1943, British and American forces began with air strikes against Austria. Vienna and in Tyrol especially Innsbruck were the main goals. About Austrians were killed in these air raids. On March 12, 1945 the war ended, when the German Empire was forced on its knees. ► After the war Austria was occupied and became fully independent again in 1955.

EU (1955) In 1995 Austria joined the EU and introduced the Euro in 2002 In 1995 Austria joined the EU and introduced the Euro in 2002