The '1945/1955: Twice Enthusiasm and Twice 'Liberation'' Digital Exhibition on Austrian Post-War History

This web exhibition examines two key moments in Austrian post-war history: the Allied departure in 1955 and the victory over National Socialism in 1945. It analyzes how public enthusiasm and the concept of 'liberation' were portrayed in contemporary radio broadcasts, highlighting the selective focus on past oppressions.

This digital presentation, part of the 'Es funkt!' series, delves into the contrasting portrayals of liberation and public sentiment in Austria during two pivotal years: 1945 and 1955. In 1955, the Allied departure was marked by a 'farewell parade,' with reports focusing on 'ten years of unfreedom' while conspicuously omitting the preceding NS-terror and Dollfuß-Schuschnigg dictatorships. The performance of the Radetzky March is highlighted as a symbol of this 'new freedom.' In contrast, the reporting from 1945 on a British military parade celebrating victory over National Socialism captures the jubilation of the Graz population, accompanying both 'liberation' and 'occupation.' The commentary aimed to convey this excitement through radio. The exhibition includes transcriptions and audio clips from these historical broadcasts, such as General Richard McCreery's remarks during the British troops' entry into Graz in 1945 and the narration from the farewell parade in Vienna in 1955, providing direct auditory evidence of these historical narratives and their staging.