The debate on Austrian national identity in the First Republic (1918-1938)
Abstract
This thesis examines the debate over Austrian national
identity in the interwar period (1918-1938), and deconstructs
key components of national identity. These components include
economic, historical, linguistic and certain cultural factors,
the concept of a nation's mission, and the "national
individual". The final area examined is tourism. It is
postulated that tourism permits exploration of the bonds
between humans and the environment which they inhabit, and has
significant implications for national cohesion.
Sources include contemporary and historical texts on the
concept of nationhood and related areas; political, social and
cultural histories pertaining to the First Republic; and
primary source materials including parliamentary and cabinet
minutes; the League of Nations' economic reports on Austria;
newspapers, particularly those of pressure groups; individual
monographs (of economists, teachers, politicians, theorists);
as well as cultural output (literature, poetry, cinema, art,
and satire).
The two sides of the debate can be grouped into arguments
pertaining to Austria's relationship to Germany, and arguments
placing Austria into a wider European context. The roles of
internal cohesion and the influence of the outside world on
national identity are addressed. It is shown that the
contribution of this period to the development of Austrian
national identity has been underestimated: that the
foundations for an independent Austria were laid in these
years. The concept of national identity is explored and
elucidated.
Type
Thesis, PhD Doctor of Philosophy
Rights
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