House of Austrian History Presents: 1945–1955 Austria’s Occupation Period and Allied Administration

This exhibition delves into Austria's period of Allied Administration from 1945 to 1955, following the fall of the Nazi regime. It explores the complex reality of the time, examining how the Allied powers governed Austria and the societal and political implications of this era, particularly in contrast to the preceding Nazi rule and the eventual achievement of sovereignty through the State Treaty.

The period from 1945 to 1955 in Austria is marked by the Allied Administration, initiated by the liberation from Nazi rule by Soviet, US, British, and French forces. This era, termed the 'occupation period' by Austrian society and politics, saw a significant exercise of sovereign power by the Allied powers until the conclusion of the State Treaty on May 15, 1955. While the term 'occupation' is used, the exhibition acknowledges that this period followed the liberation from Nazi terror, a distinction that became more pronounced in public discourse over time, particularly after events like the Waldheim Affair. The administration involved the withdrawal of significant assets by the Soviet Union as reparations and compensation for war damages. Concurrently, it's noted that many Austrians participated in Hitler's wars of aggression. The exhibition also touches upon the 'Fest der Freude' in 2013, which commemorates Austria's liberation from Nazism, and highlights how the perception and historical framing of the Allied administration versus Nazi rule evolved within Austria. The content is enriched by historical photographs illustrating key moments and figures of the period, offering visual context to the narrative of Austria's post-war reconstruction and reintegration into a sovereign state.