# First Republic of Austria

> sovereign state in Europe (1919–1934)

**Wikidata**: [Q518101](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q518101)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Austrian_Republic)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/first-republic-of-austria

## Summary

The First Republic of Austria was founded on October 21, 1919. It existed until its dissolution on May 1, 1934.

## Summary
The First Republic of Austria was a sovereign state in Central Europe that existed from 1919 to 1934. Emerging from the collapse of Austria-Hungary, it succeeded the Republic of German-Austria and was eventually succeeded by the Federal State of Austria following the establishment of an authoritarian regime.

## Key Facts
- **Existence:** The state was incepted on October 21, 1919, and dissolved on May 1, 1934.
- **Classification:** It is defined as a historical country and a sovereign state.
- **Capital:** The capital city was Vienna.
- **Predecessor:** It was preceded by the Republic of German-Austria (1918–1919).
- **Successor:** It was succeeded by the Federal State of Austria (1934–1938).
- **Currency:** The Austrian krone was used from September 10, 1919, until December 20, 1924, after which the Austrian schilling was adopted.
- **Language:** The official language was German.
- **Aliases:** Also known as Republik Österreich, First Austrian Republic, Republic of Austria, and Erste österreichische Republik.
- **Geographic Coordinates:** Located at approximately latitude 48.2 and longitude 16.36666667.
- **National Anthems:** Included "Sei gesegnet ohne Ende" composed by Joseph Haydn and "Deutschösterreich, du herrliches Land" composed by Wilhelm Kienzl with lyrics by Karl Renner.

## FAQs
**When did the First Republic of Austria exist?**
The state existed from October 21, 1919, until its dissolution on May 1, 1934.

**What currency was used during the First Republic?**
Initially, the Austrian krone was used from September 10, 1919, to December 20, 1924, before being replaced by the Austrian schilling.

**What were the national anthems of this period?**
The state utilized "Sei gesegnet ohne Ende" by Joseph Haydn and "Deutschösterreich, du herrliches Land" by Wilhelm Kienzl and Karl Renner.

**Which political parties were active?**
The German-National Party, founded in 1917, was active in the First Republic of Austria as well as the preceding Republic of German-Austria.

**What notable cultural works were produced?**
Felix Salten's novel "Bambi, A Life in the Woods" was published in 1923, and the film "Little Mother" was released in 1935.

## Why It Matters
The First Republic of Austria represents a critical transitional period in Central European history, marking the shift from the remnants of the Austro-Hungarian Empire to a modern democratic state before the rise of authoritarianism. It was a time of significant political restructuring, economic challenges such as hyperinflation addressed by currency reform, and cultural vibrancy that produced lasting works of literature and art. The era's geopolitical tensions and internal unrest, exemplified by the July Revolt of 1927, highlight the volatile political climate of interwar Europe.

## Notable For
- **Currency Reform:** Successfully transitioned from the Austrian krone to the Austrian schilling in 1924.
- **Cultural Output:** Published the internationally renowned novel "Bambi, A Life in the Woods" in 1923.
- **Locomotive Development:** Operated specific classes of steam locomotives, including the BBÖ 82 (2-10-2T) and BBÖ 214 (2-8-4).
- **Sporting Events:** Hosted the 1933 World Table Tennis Championships (January) and the Ice Hockey European Championship in 1927.
- **Political Unrest:** Experienced the July Revolt of 1927, a significant moment of political instability.

## Body

### Political History and Administration
The First Republic of Austria was established as a sovereign state following the Republic of German-Austria, which existed from November 12, 1918, to September 10, 1919. The state's formal inception is recorded as October 21, 1919. It functioned as a parliamentary democracy until 1934, when it was dissolved and replaced by the Federal State of Austria on May 1, 1934. During its existence, the German-National Party, founded in 1917, operated as a political entity within the country. The Federal Gendarmerie of Austria served as a law enforcement agency during this era, having been established in the 19th century but continuing its service through the First Republic.

### Geography and Regions
The state was located in Central Europe with coordinates centered at 48.2° latitude and 16.36666667° longitude. Its capital was Vienna, which also served as a state within the country. Other significant cities included Salzburg, the capital of the federal state of Salzburg, and Graz, the capital of the federal state of Styria. Municipalities such as Voitsberg in Styria and Rohrau in Lower Austria were also part of the territory. The region of German Tyrol is historically associated with this period. The Teutonic Order, a medieval military order, maintained a presence or headquarters connection within the country's borders during this time.

### Economy and Currency
The economy of the First Republic underwent a major monetary transition. The Austrian krone served as the currency from the state's inception in 1919 until December 20, 1924. This currency was also used in Liechtenstein during the same timeframe. Following the hyperinflation of the early 1920s, the krone was replaced by the Austrian schilling. Industrial production included the manufacturing of armaments, such as the Mannlicher M1895 rifle and the 8×56mmR cartridge, which was introduced in 1930.

### Culture and Media
The cultural landscape of the First Republic was rich and diverse. The German language was the primary medium of communication. Notable literary works included Felix Salten's 1923 novel "Bambi, A Life in the Woods." Cinema was also present, with the film "Little Mother" released in 1935. Musical life included national anthems such as "Sei gesegnet ohne Ende" by Joseph Haydn and "Deutschösterreich, du herrliches Land," composed by Wilhelm Kienzl with lyrics by Karl Renner. The media landscape featured newspapers like the "Wiener landwirthschaftliche Zeitung" and the "Klagenfurter Nachrichten," the latter of which began publication in 1919.

### Transportation and Infrastructure
The state maintained an extensive railway network utilizing various classes of locomotives. Specific rolling stock included:
- **BBÖ 82:** A class of 24 Austrian 2-10-2T locomotives.
- **BBÖ 214:** A class of 13 Austrian 2-8-4 locomotives.
- **kkStB 178:** A class of Austrian 0-8-0T locomotives.
- **kkStB 99:** A class of Austrian 2-6-0T locomotives.
- **kkStB 80 (2nd):** A class of 140 Austrian two-cylinder compound 0-10-0 locomotives.
- **Südbahn 629:** A class of Austrian 4-6-2T locomotives.
- **FS R.402:** A class of Austrian/Italian narrow-gauge 0-8-2T locomotives.

### Events and Sports
The period was marked by significant social and sporting events. The July Revolt of 1927 was a major instance of political unrest within the country. On the international stage, Austria hosted the 1933 World Table Tennis Championships (January) and the Ice Hockey European Championship in 1927. These events placed the First Republic on the global map for athletic competition during the interwar years.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013