"Austrians today often seem to believe that they have two histories: One is their republican present; the other, the centuries their forebears spent as part of the multiethnic Habsburg Empire. Contemporary Austria is a fixture among Europe's democracies, yet, it did not achieve this state easily. World War I, the unification with Germany in 1938, and Word War II were catastrophes for Austria, but in 1995 it became part of the European Union and its government, culture, and egalitarian economy are now distant from the monarchical and highly stratified society of the old empire." "This second edition of Historical Dictionary of Austria has been updated and expanded through a chronology, introductory essay, appendix, bibliography, and hundreds of cross-referenced dictionary entries. Greater attention has been given to foreign affairs, economic institutions and policies, social issues, religion, and politics, making this reference invaluable for those interested in Austria and its extensive history"--BOOK JACKET.