
20th-century Austrian history
In the 20th century, Austria experienced significant upheaval. After World War I, the Austro-Hungarian Empire dissolved, leading to the establishment of the First Austrian Republic in 1919. The country faced economic struggles and political instability, culminating in the rise of Austrofascism in the 1930s. During World War II, Austria was annexed by Nazi Germany in 1938. After the war, Austria regained independence in 1955, adopting a policy of neutrality. The late 20th century saw Austria's integration into the European Union, reflecting its stabilization and economic growth, while it maintained a commitment to its neutral stance in international conflicts.