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During the Holy Roman Empire, both Austria and Prussia (a key German state) vied for influence and control. This competition for dominance over the German-speaking regions set the stage for tensions between the nations that would last for a very long time to come.
The Austro-Prussian War of 1866 was a significant conflict that ended in Prussia's victory. Austria was marginalized in German affairs and excluded from the North German Confederation.
The unification of Germany in 1871 under Prussian leadership further deepened the tension between the nations. Austria's exclusion from the new German Empire highlighted the rivalry, as it struggled to find its place in a German-speaking world now dominated by Prussia-led Germany.
In 1879, Germany and Austria-Hungary formed a surprising military pact known as the Dual Alliance, instigated by statesman Otto von Bismarck. The treaty stipulated that if either nation were attacked by Russia, the other would provide military support. Relations between the two territories appeared to be healing at this point.
In 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was assassinated by a Serbian nationalist, and Germany supported Austria-Hungary's punitive actions against Serbia, which led to World War I. The Central Powers (of which Germany and Austria-Hungary were part) lost the War, and both empires fell.
In 1938, Nazi Germany staged a coup against the Austrian government and annexed Austria into Germany, known as the Anschluss, thereby forcibly incorporating Austria into the Third Reich. Many Austrians had mixed reactions, since their country had been stripped of some of its territories that it had ruled for centuries.
After Nazi Germany was defeated in World War II, Austria and Germany were both occupied by Allied forces, but Austria regained its independence in 1955, emphasizing its status as a separate nation.
During the Cold War, Austria remained neutral, but West Germany aligned with NATO while East Germany held its position within the Soviet Bloc. Berlin was divided by the Berlin Wall, and differing national interests between Austria and Germany continued to expand the tension between the two nations.
After World War II, there was no significant action taken to unify Germany and Austria, although the Austrian State Treaty explicitly prohibits such a union, and Austria's constitution requires it to be neutral.
Many Austrians also rejected reunification with Germany on the basis of protecting Austria’s Catholic religious identity from the Protestantism of Germany.
In 1995, Austria joined the European Union (of which Germany was its founder), and so the two countries were able to further consolidate their connections by opening their borders.
Over the years, Austria has made claims that the German Federal Intelligence Service engaged in espionage on Austrian soil between 1999 and 2006 by spying on various organizations in the energy industry and the press. These allegations have yet to be refuted by Germany.
Sporting competitions have become a modern battleground for Austrian-German rivalry. Whether in soccer, skiing, or other international competitions, athletic rivalry between Germany and Austria is often charged with national pride and historical undercurrents.
The German language, though shared by both countries, exhibits significant regional differences in vocabulary, pronunciation, and usage. These linguistic variations contribute to a sense of separateness and rivalry, as both nations assert their own version of the language.
Both countries have rich musical and artistic traditions, with figures like Mozart and Beethoven symbolizing their cultural heritage. The competition to claim these historical figures and their legacies often fuels cultural pride and rivalry between Austria and Germany.
Austrian people are generally considered to be more cheerful and outgoing than their German counterparts, who are usually seen as more formal and distant.
Germany and Austria have produced influential philosophers, such as Kant and Wittgenstein, respectively. The philosophical traditions of each country highlight different intellectual trajectories and schools of thought, contributing to a sense of intellectual rivalry and distinction.
The literary traditions of Germany and Austria, with figures like Goethe and Kafka, respectively, reflect their distinct cultural identities. And the two nations continue to have a playful competition to claim these literary giants and their contributions to world literature.
Germany's reputation as an economic giant in manufacturing and exports contrasts with Austria's strengths in other areas like tourism and agriculture. These differences often stand at the forefront of competition between the countries, as they strive to maintain relevance on a global scale.
The culinary traditions of Germany and Austria also reflect their rivalry. While there is considerable overlap between the two, Austrian cuisine has been known to incorporate influences from Italian and Eastern European cooking, adding to what is a potentially divisive national pride.
Well-known historical figures like Sigmund Freud and Ludwig van Beethoven are often at the center of rival debates between the two nations as they try to lay claim over their national identity and contributions to world culture.
Although there is much that separates these two nations, they have far more in common. In fact, many of the traditions and ways of life are similar, and so the Austrian-German rivalry should be seen as nothing more than friendly competition on the global stage.
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Austria and Germany both have differing interpretations of historical events, such as Austria's role in the Austro-Hungarian Empire and both World Wars. Austria has long considered itself a victim instead of a participant, which has contributed to tensions over the decades.
While Germany and Austria are now joined in solidarity after centuries of contest and division, there are still some smaller, friendlier rivalries that exist between the countries. Let’s take a look at them now.
Despite sharing a common language, Germany and Austria have distinct cultural identities. Austria's legacy places emphasis on a multi-ethnic empire, which contrasts with Germany's focus on a unified national state. These differences have perpetuated a sense of competition and distinctiveness, though much less now than in the past.
The tourism industry is another area of competition between the nations. The Alps are a shared natural heritage, but they also symbolize the rivalry. Both countries boast famous Alpine regions, attracting tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. The competition to showcase the best skiing, hiking, and natural beauty is a point of national pride.
The rivalry extends even to culinary traditions, particularly in wine and beer production. Austria is renowned for its wine (especially in the country’s south), while Germany is famous for its beer culture. Each country takes pride in its beverage of choice, leading to friendly but competitive comparisons.
It isn’t a secret that Germany and Austria have had a history of contest and rivalry. Between the House of Hapsburg and Nazi Germany, there have been many actions taken by either nation that have created tension and conflict. But does that rivalry still exist to this day? Click through this gallery to find out.
Is there a rivalry between Germany and Austria?
History has been difficult for these European nations
LIFESTYLE History
It isn’t a secret that Germany and Austria have had a history of contest and rivalry. Between the House of Hapsburg and Nazi Germany, there have been many actions taken by either nation that have created tension and conflict. But does that rivalry still exist to this day? Click through this gallery to find out.