The 1934 Failed Nazi Coup in Austria

Name: The 1934 Failed Nazi Coup in Austria
Start: 1892-07-25
Location: Unspecified

The Events Leading Up to the 1934 Coup

In the early 1930s, Austria was experiencing significant political turmoil, marked by rising tensions between various factions. Among these factions were the Austrian Nazis, who were seeking to align Austria more closely with **Nazi Germany**. Their primary rival was the significant socialist faction, which had substantial support among the working class. The tension between these two groups culminated in a series of violent clashes and confrontations.

The Role of the Austrian Nazi Party

The **Austrian Nazi Party**, led by **Arthur Seyss-Inquart**, aimed to overthrow the existing government. Inspired by the ascendance of the Nazis in Germany, Seyss-Inquart led a faction of the party that believed in utilizing a coup to achieve their goals. The Austrian Nazis were influenced heavily by Hitler's regime and were determined to establish a similar dictatorship in Austria, forcing the government to capitulate to Nazi ideologies.

Counteractions by the Government

The Austrian government, under Chancellor **Engelbert Dollfuß**, sternly opposed the rise of the Nazi sentiment in Austria. Fearful of a coup, Dollfuß's administration began to crack down on the Nazi Party, banning its activities in 1933. This repression, along with the growing socialist violence, created a charged atmosphere, setting the stage for a confrontation.

The Coup Attempt

On **February 15, 1934**, the Austrian Nazis launched their coup with the intent of seizing control over the government. Armed with weapons and backed by well-coordinated plans, they aimed to swiftly take over key government buildings and eliminate rivals within the socialist factions. However, the coup turned out to be disastrous as it lacked popular support and was met with fierce resistance from government forces.

Government Resistance During the Coup

The government, led by Dollfuß, had anticipated potential unrest and was prepared. Loyal army units and police clashed with Nazi supporters in the streets of **Vienna**. Armed confrontations led to several casualties on both sides. Despite the Nazis' initial advances, the solid organization and readiness of government forces proved crucial in quelling the coup attempt.

The Aftermath of the Failed Coup

The coup was swiftly suppressed, but it resulted in a significant escalation of political violence in Austria. In the wake of the failure, Dollfuß took a harsher stance against the Nazis and imprisoned many of their leaders. The government capitalized on the situation to consolidate power, leading to increased authoritarianism. The events also laid the groundwork for future conflicts in Austria as tensions remained high between political factions.

Fun Fact

A Closer Look at Seyss-Inquart

Arthur Seyss-Inquart later became a notable figure during the Anschluss in 1938, as he played a key role in the annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany. His involvement during the coup attempt reflected both his ambitious character and the perilous political landscape of the era.