Red+Vienna

The end of World War One also marked the end of the Hapsburg monarchy of Austria-Hungary. Austria was proclaimed republic on November 12, 1918 and for the first time, elections were held. All adults, male and female, were allowed to vote. The Social Democratic Party won the election with Jakob Reumann being elected the mayor of Vienna. Vienna became the first city with over a million people to elect a social democratic government. Social democracy originated with the works of Karl Marx and was in direct opposition to the monarchy. Since Socialists were nick named Reds, Red Vienna describes the period of their control from 1919 to 1934.

Vienna had several problems to face after the war. The government was broke, unemployment was high, and a number of health and housing problems. Many soldiers from the Austrian army as well as refugees from Russia were in Vienna after the war. Housing was limited and overcrowded, which gave poor conditions to all inhabitants. New borders that were established after the war cut off Vienna from farmlands that previously supplied fresh food. The economy was broke since the war was expensive and long. Middle class citizens who bought war bonds were now broke since the bonds were worthless.

Rather than look at this at hardships, the Socialists viewed this as an opportunity to improve. Working conditions were improved by establishing an eight hour work day. Unemployment benefits were available to help the less fortunate. This allowed the social democrats to gain support. The surrounding areas of Austria did not agree with the ideas and teachings of the Reds and were nick-named the blacks.

The problem of overcrowding and limited housing was addressed by the Reds. Housing was made more affordable by freezing rent prices. More than sixty thousand flats were built. Public money was raised for these projects. These were called the Gemeindebau. These planned communities included many conveniences that were lacking. This included child care and green areas. Red Vienna came to an end during the civil war 1934. The homes were attacked by the fascist governments.