The Dictatorship of Many Names: Examining Austria's Interwar Period at the House of Austrian History

This content explores the contested terminology used to describe Austria's dictatorial period from 1933-1938, examining terms like 'Austrofaschismus,' 'Ständestaat,' and the proposed 'Dollfuß-Schuschnigg-Diktatur.' It highlights the historical debate surrounding the political responsibility for the destruction of democracy and the rise of Nazism, offering insights into the House of Austrian History's approach to these complex issues.

The period of dictatorial rule in Austria between 1933/1934 and 1938 remains highly debated, particularly regarding its nomenclature. This page delves into the most common terms used to describe this era, including 'Austrofaschismus,' 'Ständestaat,' 'Regierungsdiktatur/Kanzlerdiktatur,' 'Autoritärer Ständestaat/Ständestaat-Diktatur,' and the proposed 'Dollfuß-Schuschnigg-Diktatur.' Each term is analyzed for its meaning, historical usage, and the criticisms it faces, revealing the political and historical baggage associated with them. The House of Austrian History actively engages with this debate, having proposed 'Dollfuß-Schuschnigg-Diktatur' to emphasize the dictatorial nature while differentiating it from National Socialism and Italian Fascism. This discussion is crucial as it touches upon the political responsibility for the destruction of democracy, the subsequent rise of Nazism in Austria, and the path to the 'Anschluss' in 1938. The content presented here aims to make accessible the debate over the terminology and evaluation of this period, connecting it to interactive installations within the museum's main exhibition, 'Neue Zeiten,' and an interactive map that compares Austria's regime with other European dictatorships, offering a nuanced perspective that moves beyond simplified labels.