Austria: History

1920 The Republic of Austria is created following the end of the Hapsburg empire two years prior.

1938

The Anschluss (union) of Austria and Germany takes place. Hitler incorporates Austria into Germany and renames it Ostmark.

1945

Vienna is liberated by Soviet troops at the end of World War II. Austria is occupied by Soviet, British, U.S., and French forces.

1955 A treaty signed by all occupying nations establishes a neutral and independent Austria.

1995

Austria joins the European Union.

2000

The European Union imposes sanctions on Austria following the rise of their far-right Freedom Party into government. The sanctions are revoked seven months later as they are found to be counterproductive.

2002 The euro replaces the Austrian schilling as the national currency.

2009

Austria is in the euro-zone debt crisis, impacting economic health due to a decline in both consumer confidence and exports. 

2016

Border controls are reintroduced in efforts to reduce incoming refuges from Syria, the Middle East, and Africa.