Austria History
In ancient times the territory of modern Austria was inhabited by different tribes. The country was the part of Roman Empire and after the fall of latter, the Bavarians and the Slavic Avars came to the country. The present-day Austria was formed under the rule of Leopold von Babenberg. It is well-known fact that for nealry 750 years Austria was controlled by the Habsburgs. This dynasty managed to govern most of central Europe, its power was even felt as far as the Iberian Peninsula. In the 16-17 centuries after the defaet of the Ottoman Empire, Austria became the part of the Danube basin. In the 17-18th centuries Austria was on the frontline of cultural revolution. This period of Austrian history is called The Renaissance. The country gave the world prominent composers Mozart, Mahler and Schubert, famous philosophers such as Husserl and Wittgenstein, great artists Klimt, Schiele, and many other talented people.
The Ausgleich of 1867 initiated the Empire of Austria and the kingdom of Hungary’s formation. This global empire also included German, Czech, Romanian, Serbian, and others. Bit by bit the influence of Austrian-Hungarian tandem was more and more decreasing, especially after the nationalist political movements emerge. The destruction of the Austro-Hungarian Empire was parallel to the beginning of World War I. Along with Germany, Bulgaria, and Turkey the Austro-Hungarian Empire was one of the leading powers in this war. Political instability and economic decline were the results of this conflict. In1918 Austria, separated from Hungary, was proclaimed a republic. The year after the monarchy was overthrown, the country adopted democratic constitution. Political chaos, numerous strikes and conflicts, high rate of unemployment characterized the country till 1934.
According to the fascism policy, a great part of Jewish population of Austria was persecuted and murdered. Those, who managed to avoid punishment, together with the representatives of such minorities as the Sinti and the Roma tried to leave the country. After World War II Austria was divided into zones of occupation. Both Britain and USA declared the Austrians the liberated nation. Finally such treaty was concluded with the USSA. In order to be permanently neutral Austria established the second republic in 1945. Under the Austrian State Treaty all the properties were returned to the country. It regained the independence on May 15, 1955.
Modern Austria can boast rather developed market economy, stable political system and high standards of living. Thanks to the constant economic growth Austria is the fourth richest country in Europe, after Luxembourg, Ireland, and the Netherlands. The country provides the high-quality lifestyle for locals and creates good conditions for the tourists alike.