Uncover the History of The Dollfuß-Schuschnigg Dictatorship in Austria at the House of Austrian History

This thematic collection explores the period of dictatorship in Austria between 1933/34 and 1938. It details the destruction of democracy, the key characteristics of the regime, and the historical events leading up to the 'Anschluss'. The content includes historical context, political analysis, and information on the cult of personality surrounding the chancellors.

The House of Austrian History (hdgö) delves into the critical period of the Dollfuß-Schuschnigg dictatorship, which saw the dismantling of democracy in Austria from 1933/34 until the 'Anschluss' in 1938. This thematic collection provides a comprehensive overview of how democracy was undermined, detailing the key features of the regime, including the suppression of political opposition, the erosion of parliamentary power through emergency decrees, and the establishment of an authoritarian state. It outlines the sequence of events, from the initial steps taken by Chancellor Engelbert Dollfuß to consolidate power, the violent February Uprising of 1934, and the subsequent implementation of a new constitution that formally ended the democratic republic. The content also addresses the regime's attempts to foster a national identity distinct from Nazi Germany, its complex relationship with Nazi Germany itself, and the propaganda efforts, including a cult of personality around Dollfuß and Kurt Schuschnigg. Further sections examine the historical precursors to the dictatorship, highlighting the deep political divisions and erosion of trust in parliamentary democracy in the First Republic, which paved the way for authoritarian rule. It details the role of political parties, paramilitary groups, and escalating violence in the lead-up to the regime's establishment. The content scrutinizes the methods used to dismantle democratic structures, such as the exclusion of parliament, the incapacitation of the Constitutional Court, and the reintroduction of the death penalty. It also discusses the formation of the single party, the 'Vaterländische Front', and the ideological underpinnings of the 'Ständestaat' (corporatist state) envisioned by the regime. The narrative culminates with an account of the internal putsch attempt in July 1934, Dollfuß's assassination, and the increasing pressure from Nazi Germany that ultimately led to the 'Anschluss' in March 1938, transforming Austria into part of the German Reich. The collection emphasizes the contested legacy of this period and its key figures.