 |
Julius RaabChancellor of the Republic of Austria from 1953 to 1961
Date of Birth: 29.11.1891
Country:  Austria |
Content:
- Julius Raab: The Chancellor of the State Treaty
- World War I and Military Service
- Interwar Period
- World War II and Nazi Occupation
- Political Career after the War
- Chancellor of Austria (1953-1961)
- Post-Chancellery and Legacy
- Awards
Julius Raab: The Chancellor of the State Treaty
Early Life and EducationJulius Raab was born in 1891 into a family of architects. Along with his brother Heinrich, who later became Mayor of St. Pölten, Raab was raised in a Catholic environment, with his uncle serving as a member of the Lower Austrian parliament. From 1897 to 1911, Raab attended school and gymnasium, and upon passing the matriculation exam, he continued his studies in civil engineering at the Vienna University of Technology.
World War I and Military Service
In August 1914, Raab was conscripted into military service. He distinguished himself during the war, earning the Silver Medal for Bravery, First Class in 1915. In 1918, while serving as an Oberleutnant in the 2nd Krems Engineer Battalion, Raab led his unit away from the front and back to Vienna based on an erroneous armistice report. This act showcased his ability to command and inspire loyalty.
Interwar Period
After the war, Raab co-founded the Nibelungia secondary school union in 1919. He continued his studies in Vienna and joined the Austrian Christian Social Party, aiming to unite entrepreneurs. From 1927 to 1934, Raab served as a member of the National Council of Austria for the Christian Social Party.
Raab became involved in the "Bund der Heimatwehr" (Home Defense League) to consolidate support for his party. However, he later withdrew due to the league's competition with the Christian Social Party in elections.
World War II and Nazi Occupation
Under the Nazi regime, Raab was deemed "unreliable" and banned from employment or residing in St. Pölten and Lower Austria. He was spared from a concentration camp and persecution thanks to the intervention of the local Nazi governor.
During the occupation, Raab established a construction firm in Vienna, where he provided shelter to individuals released from imprisonment and others seeking anonymity, including Leopold Figl.
Political Career after the War
In 1945, Raab co-founded the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP). He served as a member of the National Council of Austria representing the ÖVP from 1945 until his death.
Raab played a key role in establishing the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber and served as its president from 1946 to 1953, and again from 1961 to 1964.
Chancellor of Austria (1953-1961)
On April 2, 1953, Raab became the Federal Chancellor of Austria. He remained in office for four terms, until April 11, 1961. During his tenure, Austria experienced economic prosperity, known as the "Raab-Kamitz Course," which included the liberalization of the economy, strict currency policies, and tax reductions.
Raab led Austria's delegation in the Moscow negotiations in 1955, which resulted in the signing of the State Treaty that ended the Allied occupation and restored Austria's full sovereignty.
Post-Chancellery and Legacy
After stepping down as Chancellor, Raab remained active in politics and business. He passed away in 1964, leaving behind a legacy as the "Chancellor of the State Treaty" and a respected figure in Austrian history.
Awards
Silver Medal for Bravery, First Class (1915)Honorary Ring of Styria
