Manchester University Press
1 Before the rise of the antisemites
Abstract
This chapter considers what are called here the founding myths of the antisemites. It explains that antisemites considered the introduction into Austria of modernising, secularising, economic, social and political reforms – in short, liberalism – as a step that damaged what they considered to be natural Austrian phenomena – a hierarchical social system, feudal, guild-based economics, and a privileged place in society for the Roman Catholic Church. The chapter examines these claims, setting out how Austria, and particularly Vienna, evolved from around the mid-nineteenth century, into a period of liberal reforms and liberal political ascendency. It examines how a weakening Austrian Empire was beaten in war and called on liberals to modernise the state.
Abstract
This chapter considers what are called here the founding myths of the antisemites. It explains that antisemites considered the introduction into Austria of modernising, secularising, economic, social and political reforms – in short, liberalism – as a step that damaged what they considered to be natural Austrian phenomena – a hierarchical social system, feudal, guild-based economics, and a privileged place in society for the Roman Catholic Church. The chapter examines these claims, setting out how Austria, and particularly Vienna, evolved from around the mid-nineteenth century, into a period of liberal reforms and liberal political ascendency. It examines how a weakening Austrian Empire was beaten in war and called on liberals to modernise the state.
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Contents v
- Acknowledgements vi
- Some general notes viii
- Archival sources and abbreviations ix
- Introduction 1
- 1 Before the rise of the antisemites 13
- 2 Antisemites begin to organise, 1873–89 39
- 3 To the brink of power, 1889–95 66
- 4 A Christian, socially engaged movement? 1896–1914 93
- 5 A German movement? 1896–1914 113
- 6 War and the end of empire, 1914–18 133
- 7 An unloved republic? 1919–26 158
- 8 The right asserts itself: 1927–33 177
- 9 Building a Christian and German Austria? 1934–8 197
- 10 An end to Austria? 224
- 11 Principal conclusions and further questions 244
- Appendix 255
- Bibliography 257
- Index 261
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Contents v
- Acknowledgements vi
- Some general notes viii
- Archival sources and abbreviations ix
- Introduction 1
- 1 Before the rise of the antisemites 13
- 2 Antisemites begin to organise, 1873–89 39
- 3 To the brink of power, 1889–95 66
- 4 A Christian, socially engaged movement? 1896–1914 93
- 5 A German movement? 1896–1914 113
- 6 War and the end of empire, 1914–18 133
- 7 An unloved republic? 1919–26 158
- 8 The right asserts itself: 1927–33 177
- 9 Building a Christian and German Austria? 1934–8 197
- 10 An end to Austria? 224
- 11 Principal conclusions and further questions 244
- Appendix 255
- Bibliography 257
- Index 261
