First Republic

The First Republic of Austria was established on November 12, 1918, following the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the end of World War I. This new republic was declared a democratic republic and intended to be a component part of the German republic.1

Key aspects of the First Republic include:
* Formation: German members of the Reichsrat formed the National Assembly for German-Austria, proclaiming an independent state. The Social Democrats, Christian Socialists, and German Nationalists formed a coalition government.1
* Challenges: The republic faced severe economic exhaustion and chaos from the war. Social distress and poverty led to revolutionary activities, with bolshevism posing a significant threat.1
* Political Structure: Elections for a constitutional assembly were held in February 1919. The constitution, adopted on October 1, 1920, established a bicameral legislative assembly: the Nationalrat (lower house) and the Bundesrat (upper house).1
* Foreign Policy: Initially, there was a strong push for "Anschluss" (union) with Germany. However, the Treaty of Saint-Germain (1919) forbade this without League of Nations consent and required Austria to cease calling itself "German-Austria".1
* Economic Stability: After initial struggles with inflation, Austria secured a loan through the League of Nations in 1922, leading to financial stabilization and a period of reconstruction and prosperity.2
* Political Strife: Despite democratic rhetoric, political divisions hardened between the socialist-controlled Vienna and the conservative provinces. Paramilitary forces, the Heimwehr and the Schutzbund, emerged, increasing tensions and leading to violent clashes, notably in 1927.2

The First Republic was marked by efforts to establish a stable democracy amidst significant economic hardship and deep political polarization, ultimately leading to its end with the Anschluss in 1938.12