Engelbert Dollfuss

Engelbert Dollfuss was an Austrian politician who served as Chancellor from 1932 to 1934. He led Austria during a turbulent period marked by economic hardship and political extremism. Dollfuss sought to establish a strong, centralized government and aimed to curb the influence of both far-left and far-right groups, including Nazis. His policies leaned toward authoritarianism, emphasizing stability and national unity. In 1934, he was assassinated during a failed Nazi coup attempt, which ultimately led Austria to become a one-party state under his successor. His leadership reflects Austria's complex struggle between democracy and authoritarianism in the interwar years.