Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
One of the most serious problems facing the new republic was the divide between the
socialist-governed cities, especially 'Red Vienna', and the extremely conservative rural
regions. The 30,000-strong army created to ensure the country's existence was an addi-
tional conservative force in the country. The weakness of this army was matched by a po-
lice force that was helpless in thwarting the creation of left- and right-wing paramilitary
forces.
The Social Democratic Workers' Party created its Republican Defence League
(Schutzbund), whereas on the other side of the political fence the Christlichsoziale Partei
(Christian Social Party), a Catholic nationalist party that had emerged in the late 19th
century and survived until 1934, fostered close ties with a number of ultra-conservative
paramilitary groups.
By the mid-1920s armed paramilitary groups from both sides were roaming the streets
of Vienna and elsewhere, engaging in bloody clashes. When in 1927 a court in Vienna
acquitted members of the right-wing paramilitary Frontkämpfer (Front Fighters) on
charges of killing two people during demonstrations, left-wing groups rose up and
stormed the city's Justizpalast (Palace of Justice). The police moved in and regained con-
trol of the building, but about 90 people died in the revolt and more than 1000 were in-
jured. Troubled times had come.
Women in Austria gained the right to vote in national elections in 1919.
