1945-1949 Austrian political landscape

Between 1945 and 1949, Austria was in a state of recovery following World War II. The country was divided into four occupation zones controlled by the Allies: the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and France. Political power was contested primarily between the Social Democrats, who favored a more democratic and socialist agenda, and the conservative People's Party. Tensions between the Soviet zone and the Western zones grew, influencing political divisions. In 1949, negotiations began for Austria's independence, leading to the 1955 State Treaty, which restored its sovereignty and declared it a neutral nation.