The Republic of Austria 1918-2018

At 3:00 pm on November 12, 1918 the Republic of Austria was proclaimed from the steps outside Parliament in Vienna. This edited volume celebrates the centenary of the republic's foundation with a succinct rendering of Austria's history between 1918 and today. Encompassing an entire century, this sweeping vista takes in milestones and turning points, from the proclamation of the republic to the so-called 'Anschluss' with Germany; from the Prague Spring to the occupation of the Hainburg Au and Austria's accession to the European Union. Paying tribute to the republic's anniversary, twenty-three renowned historians turn a spotlight on the past and so provide us with a new perception of the present.

Heinz Fischer, PhD, Federal President of the Republic of Austria 2004-2016, was commissioned last year by the Austrian Federal Government to coordinate events designed to mark the commemorative year 2018. Prior to that, he held a long series of public positions, including Member of Parliament, Minister of Science and President of Austria's National Council. As a qualified jurist, Fischer pursued an academic career alongside his political activities. In 1978 he was habilitated at the University of Innsbruck and appointed Professor of Political Sciences in 1994. To this day, he is a visiting professor at the University of Innsbruck. He has a large number of publications to his credit.