Voted! How Borders Are Created: An Exhibition on Democratic Processes Shaping Austria's Post-WWI Boundaries

This exhibition explores the pivotal moment in 1920 when democratic means were first used to determine state borders in Europe, focusing on Austria's post-World War I territorial negotiations. It examines the historical context, the impact of treaties like Saint-Germain-en-Laye, and the complexities of self-determination in a multilingual region.

This exhibition delves into the historical significance of how borders were created, with a particular focus on the year 1920 when Austria first utilized democratic processes to establish its state boundaries. Following World War I, the young Republic of Austria faced immense challenges in defining its territory amidst the collapse of the Habsburg monarchy. The exhibition highlights key events such as the plebiscite in Carinthia in 1920 and the subsequent integration of Burgenland in 1921, demonstrating that conflicts could be resolved peacefully through democratic means. It discusses the Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, which formally prohibited Austria's annexation to Germany and dictated the new map of Austria, while also acknowledging that many border disputes persisted until the full integration of the Burgenland. The content further explores the complexities of language and national identity in border regions, referencing the 'right to self-determination of peoples' and its challenges in Central Europe's multilingual landscape. The exhibition also touches upon subsequent referendums related to Anschluss movements in regions like Tyrol and Salzburg, and the shifting borders in South Tyrol, Slovenia, and Burgenland, illustrating the broader European context of post-war border redrawing through plebiscites.

Ticketing information for entry tickets and annual passes is available. Options to select quantities and personalize annual passes are presented, with a prompt to add items to the shopping cart. Specific pricing is indicated for annual passes (€18.81/piece). Visitors are directed to select tickets and proceed to the shopping cart for purchase.