|
The years 1945 and 1955 were decisive in Austria’s history. Although that small country had to fight for its economic survival following the First World War and the resulting collapse of the Habsburg monarchy, and although it disappeared from the map after the Anschluss, or annexation, by Nazi Germany, those dates mark a historic turning point in the success of Austria’s Second Republic. The year 1945 represents the end of World War II, the Allied liberation of Austria from Nazism, and, above all, for Austrians, the founding of the Second Republic. The year 1955 marks the signing of the State Treaty ending the Allied occupation of Austria. With this treaty, signed on May 15, and the declaration of neutrality of October 26, Austria finally attained its freedom and sovereignty. |
Because of the Austrian identity created by this state ceremony, the 60th anniversary of the Second Republic and the 50th anniversary of the State Treaty are being recognized by many exhibitions and ceremonies, including those at the Hoover Institution. Hoover Institution Library and Archives presents an exhibition of Austrian posters and historic photographs by eminent Austrian photographer Erich Lessing under the title “Free Again! Liberation and Sovereignty: Austria, 1945-1955” in the Exhibition Pavilion from May 3 through August 20, 2005. The virtual exhibition offers over 100 additional posters and information on the post-war-history of Austria. |