Engelbert Dollfuss Austrian politician Date of Birth: 04.10.1892 Country: Austria

1. Early Life and Career
2. Rise to Power
3. Opposition to Nazism
4. Establishment of a Dictatorship
5. February Uprising and Suppression
6. Collaboration with the Heimwehr
7. Nazi Putsch and Assassination
8. Aftermath and Legacy

Early Life and Career

Engelbert Dollfuß, an Austrian politician born on October 4, 1892, in Texing, Lower Austria, embarked on his political journey as secretary of the Lower Austrian Farmers' Union. In 1927, he established the Lower Austrian Chamber of Agriculture, propelling his career forward.

Rise to Power

Dollfuß made a significant leap in 1931, becoming general director of the Austrian railway network and subsequently minister of agriculture in the Austrian government. His political stature reached new heights on May 13, 1932, when he was elected Chancellor of Austria and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Opposition to Nazism

Dollfuß stood firmly against Hitler's Nazi policies, which sought to annex Austria (Anschluss). Inspired by Italian fascism and seeking to preserve Austria's independence, he forged an alliance with Italy. In exchange for implementing far-right reforms, Mussolini guaranteed Austria's sovereignty.

Establishment of a Dictatorship

To prevent political instability from both Nazis and leftists, Dollfuß suspended parliament and established a "clerico-fascist" dictatorship. The economic crisis of 1929-1933 severely impacted Austria, and the deflationary measures implemented by Ludwig von Mises, Dollfuß's chief economic advisor, were highly unpopular. Radicalization and poverty spread through urban areas.

February Uprising and Suppression

On February 12, 1934, anarchists and socialists launched an armed uprising in Linz, which quickly spread to Vienna and other cities. Government troops and the Heimwehr used artillery to suppress the revolt, resulting in over 1000 casualties.

Collaboration with the Heimwehr

After crushing the left-wing uprising, Dollfuß sought to strengthen his position by cooperating with the ultra-right Fatherland Front. A new constitution based on Catholic social principles was adopted in May 1934.

Nazi Putsch and Assassination

Despite Dollfuß's efforts, Austrian Nazis, backed by Berlin, escalated their campaign of terror and sabotage. On July 25, 1934, SS members disguised as Austrian soldiers stormed the Federal Chancellery. Dollfuß attempted to flee but was shot in the throat by Otto Planetta. Despite medical attention, Dollfuß died from blood loss.

Aftermath and Legacy

The attempted Nazi coup failed, as government forces led by Minister of Justice Kurt von Schuschnigg regained control. Mussolini's threat to intervene forced Hitler to abandon immediate plans for Anschluss. Schuschnigg succeeded Dollfuß, continuing the fight for Austria's independence. However, he was unable to revive the struggling economy, leading to the country's eventual annexation by Nazi Germany in 1938.