1930s: Austria's government is ruled by a series of dictators: first Engelbert Dollfuss, then Kurt von Schuschnigg, and after theAnschluss —Germany's annexation of Austria—the German leader Adolf Hitler. By 1938, Austria has become part of the new German empire and no longer exists as an independent, sovereign nature.

Today: Austria is a federal republic with an executive government made up of a chief of state, the president, and a chancellor who serves as the head of government. The president, who is elected by the Austrian voters to a six-year term, selects the chancellor. The chancellor, in turn, helps the president select a cabinet.

1930s: Austria faces increasing economic hardship. Many people live in poverty, jobs are scarce, manufacturing is low, and inflation is high. The Austrian government is virtually bankrupt and can no longer provide necessities for all of its people...