At 3:00 pm on November 12, 1918 the Republic of Austria was proclaimed from the steps outside Parliament in Vienna. This edited volume celebrates the centenary of the republics foundation with a succinct rendering of Austrias history between 1918 and today. Encompassing an entire century, this sweeping vista takes in milestones and turning points, from the proclamation of the republic to the so-called Anschluss with Germany; from the Prague Spring to the occupation of the Hainburg Au and Austrias accession to the European Union. Paying tribute to the republics anniversary, twenty-three renowned historians turn a spotlight on the past and so provide us with a new perception of the present.

Heinz Fischer, PhD, Federal President of the Republic of Austria 2004-2016, was commissioned last year by the Austrian Federal Government to coordinate events designed to mark the commemorative year 2018. Prior to that, he held a long series of public positions, including Member of Parliament, Minister of Science and President of Austrias National Council. As a qualified jurist, Fischer pursued an academic career alongside his political activities. In 1978 he was habilitated at the University of Innsbruck and appointed Professor of Political Sciences in 1994. To this day, he is a visiting professor at the University of Innsbruck. He has a large number of publications to his credit.