Janek Wasserman
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- August 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780801452871
- eISBN:
- 9780801455223
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Cornell University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7591/cornell/9780801452871.003.0001
- Subject:
- History, European Modern History
This introductory chapter provides an overview of the book's main themes. This book sets out to address scholars' underemphasis of the extent of ideological conflict in interwar Viennese intellectual ...
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This introductory chapter provides an overview of the book's main themes. This book sets out to address scholars' underemphasis of the extent of ideological conflict in interwar Viennese intellectual life. It argues that one cannot begin to understand the richness of Red Vienna without its opposite number, “Black Vienna.” It reconstructs the origins and development of a “Black Viennese” oppositional field by elaborating its institutional and cultural evolution and by examining points of contact and conflict with Red Vienna. It shows that the overwhelming focus on a liberal Viennese political and intellectual heritage has downplayed the radicalism of authoritarian intellectual currents in the academy, press, civic associations, and government. The remainder of the chapter discusses the concept of Black Vienna and the struggle for hegemony between black and red camps on the political and intellectual levels in interwar Vienna. An outline of the book is also presented.Less
This introductory chapter provides an overview of the book's main themes. This book sets out to address scholars' underemphasis of the extent of ideological conflict in interwar Viennese intellectual life. It argues that one cannot begin to understand the richness of Red Vienna without its opposite number, “Black Vienna.” It reconstructs the origins and development of a “Black Viennese” oppositional field by elaborating its institutional and cultural evolution and by examining points of contact and conflict with Red Vienna. It shows that the overwhelming focus on a liberal Viennese political and intellectual heritage has downplayed the radicalism of authoritarian intellectual currents in the academy, press, civic associations, and government. The remainder of the chapter discusses the concept of Black Vienna and the struggle for hegemony between black and red camps on the political and intellectual levels in interwar Vienna. An outline of the book is also presented.
Janek Wasserman
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- August 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780801452871
- eISBN:
- 9780801455223
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Cornell University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7591/cornell/9780801452871.003.0005
- Subject:
- History, European Modern History
One of the groups that challenged the Spannkreis was the Vienna Circle of logical empiricists. This chapter examines the social activities of members of the Verein Ernst Mach (Ernst Mach Society), ...
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One of the groups that challenged the Spannkreis was the Vienna Circle of logical empiricists. This chapter examines the social activities of members of the Verein Ernst Mach (Ernst Mach Society), the public arm of the circle. It contests the claim of Moritz Schlick, one of the group's founders, that the society was “absolutely unpolitical” by showing how its members engaged in social and political struggles in adult education and welfare centers and intellectual societies. The group brought together people from radical, antiestablishment organizations committed to the defeat of the hegemonic “metaphysical and theologizing leanings” of Black Vienna. The involvements of its members demonstrate that progressive science and philosophy had politicized and radicalized by the late 1920s in reaction to the continued conservative predominance in the academy and state.Less
One of the groups that challenged the Spannkreis was the Vienna Circle of logical empiricists. This chapter examines the social activities of members of the Verein Ernst Mach (Ernst Mach Society), the public arm of the circle. It contests the claim of Moritz Schlick, one of the group's founders, that the society was “absolutely unpolitical” by showing how its members engaged in social and political struggles in adult education and welfare centers and intellectual societies. The group brought together people from radical, antiestablishment organizations committed to the defeat of the hegemonic “metaphysical and theologizing leanings” of Black Vienna. The involvements of its members demonstrate that progressive science and philosophy had politicized and radicalized by the late 1920s in reaction to the continued conservative predominance in the academy and state.
Janek Wasserman
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- August 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780801452871
- eISBN:
- 9780801455223
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Cornell University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7591/cornell/9780801452871.003.0002
- Subject:
- History, European Modern History
This chapter explores the evolution of Black Vienna in the early interwar years. Focusing on the Austrian Catholic scientific society, the Leo-Gesellschaft, and the most influential Central European ...
More
This chapter explores the evolution of Black Vienna in the early interwar years. Focusing on the Austrian Catholic scientific society, the Leo-Gesellschaft, and the most influential Central European conservative journal Das neue Reich, it examines how conservatives defined the concept of “the intellectual” and appealed to that class. It reveals that although interwar Vienna voted red, blacks maintained hegemony in intellectual and cultural life. Intellectuals—divided before the war over questions of German nationalism and the place of Catholicism in Austrian and German conservatism—came together to combat the socialism, “Judaism,” and capitalism of the First Republic. The Black Viennese field radicalized over time in response to worsening economic and political conditions. The successes of radicals like Das neue Reich editor Joseph Eberle showed the weakness of democratic and moderate ideologies in Austrian conservative thought and foreshadowed Austria's fascist turn.Less
This chapter explores the evolution of Black Vienna in the early interwar years. Focusing on the Austrian Catholic scientific society, the Leo-Gesellschaft, and the most influential Central European conservative journal Das neue Reich, it examines how conservatives defined the concept of “the intellectual” and appealed to that class. It reveals that although interwar Vienna voted red, blacks maintained hegemony in intellectual and cultural life. Intellectuals—divided before the war over questions of German nationalism and the place of Catholicism in Austrian and German conservatism—came together to combat the socialism, “Judaism,” and capitalism of the First Republic. The Black Viennese field radicalized over time in response to worsening economic and political conditions. The successes of radicals like Das neue Reich editor Joseph Eberle showed the weakness of democratic and moderate ideologies in Austrian conservative thought and foreshadowed Austria's fascist turn.
Janek Wasserman
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- August 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780801452871
- eISBN:
- 9780801455223
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Cornell University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7591/cornell/9780801452871.003.0004
- Subject:
- History, European Modern History
This chapter explores the popularity of authoritarian and fascist ideas in Central Europe through an investigation of the one of the most influential Black Viennese circles, the Spannkreis, centered ...
More
This chapter explores the popularity of authoritarian and fascist ideas in Central Europe through an investigation of the one of the most influential Black Viennese circles, the Spannkreis, centered on the sociologist and philosopher Othmar Spann. Spann's holistic ideology enjoyed widespread academic support in Austria, the Sudetenland, and parts of Germany. Never content with mere academic influence, Spann curried favor with radical political movements, including the Austrian Heimwehr, the Italian Fascists, and the Nazi Party. The robustness of Spann's connections—both intellectual and political—demonstrates the close interaction between science and politics in interwar Central Europe. It also shows the relative unity of Viennese conservatives in a common front against Red Vienna.Less
This chapter explores the popularity of authoritarian and fascist ideas in Central Europe through an investigation of the one of the most influential Black Viennese circles, the Spannkreis, centered on the sociologist and philosopher Othmar Spann. Spann's holistic ideology enjoyed widespread academic support in Austria, the Sudetenland, and parts of Germany. Never content with mere academic influence, Spann curried favor with radical political movements, including the Austrian Heimwehr, the Italian Fascists, and the Nazi Party. The robustness of Spann's connections—both intellectual and political—demonstrates the close interaction between science and politics in interwar Central Europe. It also shows the relative unity of Viennese conservatives in a common front against Red Vienna.
Janek Wasserman
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- August 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780801452871
- eISBN:
- 9780801455223
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Cornell University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7591/cornell/9780801452871.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, European Modern History
Interwar Vienna was considered a bastion of radical socialist thought, and its reputation as “Red Vienna” has loomed large in both the popular imagination and the historiography of Central Europe. ...
More
Interwar Vienna was considered a bastion of radical socialist thought, and its reputation as “Red Vienna” has loomed large in both the popular imagination and the historiography of Central Europe. However, as this book shows, a “Black Vienna” existed as well; its members voiced critiques of the postwar democratic order, Jewish inclusion, and Enlightenment values, providing a theoretical foundation for Austrian and Central European fascist movements. Looking at the complex interplay between intellectuals, the public, and the state, the book argues that seemingly apolitical Viennese intellectuals, especially conservative ones, dramatically affected the course of Austrian history. While Red Viennese intellectuals mounted an impressive challenge in cultural and intellectual forums throughout the city, radical conservatism carried the day. Black Viennese intellectuals hastened the destruction of the First Republic, facilitating the establishment of the Austrofascist state and paving the way for Anschluss with Nazi Germany. Closely observing the works and actions of Viennese reformers, journalists, philosophers, and scientists, the book traces intellectual, social, and political developments in the Austrian First Republic while highlighting intellectuals' participation in the growing worldwide conflict between socialism, conservatism, and fascism. Vienna was a microcosm of larger developments in Europe—the rise of the radical right and the struggle between competing ideological visions. By focusing on the evolution of Austrian conservatism, the book complicates post-World War II narratives about Austrian anti-fascism and Austrian victimhood.Less
Interwar Vienna was considered a bastion of radical socialist thought, and its reputation as “Red Vienna” has loomed large in both the popular imagination and the historiography of Central Europe. However, as this book shows, a “Black Vienna” existed as well; its members voiced critiques of the postwar democratic order, Jewish inclusion, and Enlightenment values, providing a theoretical foundation for Austrian and Central European fascist movements. Looking at the complex interplay between intellectuals, the public, and the state, the book argues that seemingly apolitical Viennese intellectuals, especially conservative ones, dramatically affected the course of Austrian history. While Red Viennese intellectuals mounted an impressive challenge in cultural and intellectual forums throughout the city, radical conservatism carried the day. Black Viennese intellectuals hastened the destruction of the First Republic, facilitating the establishment of the Austrofascist state and paving the way for Anschluss with Nazi Germany. Closely observing the works and actions of Viennese reformers, journalists, philosophers, and scientists, the book traces intellectual, social, and political developments in the Austrian First Republic while highlighting intellectuals' participation in the growing worldwide conflict between socialism, conservatism, and fascism. Vienna was a microcosm of larger developments in Europe—the rise of the radical right and the struggle between competing ideological visions. By focusing on the evolution of Austrian conservatism, the book complicates post-World War II narratives about Austrian anti-fascism and Austrian victimhood.
Janek Wasserman
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- August 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780801452871
- eISBN:
- 9780801455223
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Cornell University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7591/cornell/9780801452871.003.0007
- Subject:
- History, European Modern History
This chapter investigates the rise and fall of social and political engagement by progressive intellectuals in the face of Austria's fascist turn in the late 1920s. It argues that the intellectual ...
More
This chapter investigates the rise and fall of social and political engagement by progressive intellectuals in the face of Austria's fascist turn in the late 1920s. It argues that the intellectual work of Red Viennese men and women cannot be separated from their practical activities and must be understood against the backdrop of worsening political and economic conditions in Europe. Intellectuals initially believed the time was ripe for transformation and the social democratic movement provided the best means for realizing their intellectual and social goals. As the Austro-Marxists faced repeated setbacks in the late 1920s and 1930s, Red Viennese intellectuals became more critical and distant from the movement. The chapter challenges the idea that “apolitical” science existed in interwar Vienna, contending that disengaged thought became possible only after the decline of Austro-Marxism and the triumph of fascism.Less
This chapter investigates the rise and fall of social and political engagement by progressive intellectuals in the face of Austria's fascist turn in the late 1920s. It argues that the intellectual work of Red Viennese men and women cannot be separated from their practical activities and must be understood against the backdrop of worsening political and economic conditions in Europe. Intellectuals initially believed the time was ripe for transformation and the social democratic movement provided the best means for realizing their intellectual and social goals. As the Austro-Marxists faced repeated setbacks in the late 1920s and 1930s, Red Viennese intellectuals became more critical and distant from the movement. The chapter challenges the idea that “apolitical” science existed in interwar Vienna, contending that disengaged thought became possible only after the decline of Austro-Marxism and the triumph of fascism.
Janek Wasserman
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- August 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780801452871
- eISBN:
- 9780801455223
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Cornell University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7591/cornell/9780801452871.003.0003
- Subject:
- History, European Modern History
This chapter looks at the recruitment efforts undertaken by the Austro-Marxists to win “intellectual workers” to the socialist cause in the early Republic. In the wake of the 1918 Austrian Revolution ...
More
This chapter looks at the recruitment efforts undertaken by the Austro-Marxists to win “intellectual workers” to the socialist cause in the early Republic. In the wake of the 1918 Austrian Revolution and their 1919 electoral victory, the Social Democrats believed they had an opportunity to win traditional, nonsocialist intellectuals with their social and economic policies. Over the next few years, socialists filled the pages of their theoretical journal Der Kampf with articles about intellectual work and recruited non-Marxist, progressive intellectuals to contribute to their movement. Despite the successful recruitment of progressive, Jewish, and “free-floating” intellectuals from outside the corridors of knowledge and power, the Austro-Marxists struggled to attract the broader intellectual class.Less
This chapter looks at the recruitment efforts undertaken by the Austro-Marxists to win “intellectual workers” to the socialist cause in the early Republic. In the wake of the 1918 Austrian Revolution and their 1919 electoral victory, the Social Democrats believed they had an opportunity to win traditional, nonsocialist intellectuals with their social and economic policies. Over the next few years, socialists filled the pages of their theoretical journal Der Kampf with articles about intellectual work and recruited non-Marxist, progressive intellectuals to contribute to their movement. Despite the successful recruitment of progressive, Jewish, and “free-floating” intellectuals from outside the corridors of knowledge and power, the Austro-Marxists struggled to attract the broader intellectual class.
Janek Wasserman
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- August 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780801452871
- eISBN:
- 9780801455223
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Cornell University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7591/cornell/9780801452871.003.0008
- Subject:
- History, European Modern History
This chapter explores the evolution of the Black Viennese cultural field in the late 1920s and 1930s from a period of relative consensus through its tensions in the early Austrofascist state to the ...
More
This chapter explores the evolution of the Black Viennese cultural field in the late 1920s and 1930s from a period of relative consensus through its tensions in the early Austrofascist state to the eventual triumph of the radicals before the Anschluss. An examination of the conservative intellectual landscape through its leading publications—Das neue Reich, Die schönere Zukunft, and Der christliche Ständestaat—and the scholarly works published by central thinkers such as Hans Eibl, Johannes Messner, and Eric Voegelin, reveals the ideological rift in Black Vienna. While a contingent of intellectuals supported the Ständestaat and accepted the opportunities it provided, most tolerated the new government only grudgingly. As the Austrian state struggled to consolidate its power and Hitler's Germany continued its ascendancy, the calls for a völksich revolution only increased. Austrofascist ideology never achieved the status of a cultural dominant—the more radical Black Viennese ideas of German nationalism, fascism, and anti-Semitism predominated. Despite a general uneasiness about the Nazis, the vast majority of Black Viennese intellectuals, because of the ongoing radicalization of their conservative ideology, bear some responsibility for the Nazi triumph.Less
This chapter explores the evolution of the Black Viennese cultural field in the late 1920s and 1930s from a period of relative consensus through its tensions in the early Austrofascist state to the eventual triumph of the radicals before the Anschluss. An examination of the conservative intellectual landscape through its leading publications—Das neue Reich, Die schönere Zukunft, and Der christliche Ständestaat—and the scholarly works published by central thinkers such as Hans Eibl, Johannes Messner, and Eric Voegelin, reveals the ideological rift in Black Vienna. While a contingent of intellectuals supported the Ständestaat and accepted the opportunities it provided, most tolerated the new government only grudgingly. As the Austrian state struggled to consolidate its power and Hitler's Germany continued its ascendancy, the calls for a völksich revolution only increased. Austrofascist ideology never achieved the status of a cultural dominant—the more radical Black Viennese ideas of German nationalism, fascism, and anti-Semitism predominated. Despite a general uneasiness about the Nazis, the vast majority of Black Viennese intellectuals, because of the ongoing radicalization of their conservative ideology, bear some responsibility for the Nazi triumph.
Janek Wasserman
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- August 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780801452871
- eISBN:
- 9780801455223
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Cornell University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7591/cornell/9780801452871.003.0006
- Subject:
- History, European Modern History
This chapter investigates the emergence of the monarchist movement the Österreichische Aktion, situating Viennese radical conservatism in the larger context of European authoritarianism and fascism. ...
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This chapter investigates the emergence of the monarchist movement the Österreichische Aktion, situating Viennese radical conservatism in the larger context of European authoritarianism and fascism. Traditionally portrayed as a moderate force in Austrian life, the Aktion in fact drew on the work of the proto-fascist Action Française and the Italian Fascists in crafting a “new conservative” movement. Despite its anti-Prussian and pro-Habsburg rhetoric, the group's ideology reinforced notions of German supremacy in Central Europe that overlapped with other contemporary German nationalist and Catholic conservative views. Therefore the chapter calls into question traditional three-Lager interpretations of interwar Austrian culture by demonstrating the relative coherence of conservative thought through the 1930s.Less
This chapter investigates the emergence of the monarchist movement the Österreichische Aktion, situating Viennese radical conservatism in the larger context of European authoritarianism and fascism. Traditionally portrayed as a moderate force in Austrian life, the Aktion in fact drew on the work of the proto-fascist Action Française and the Italian Fascists in crafting a “new conservative” movement. Despite its anti-Prussian and pro-Habsburg rhetoric, the group's ideology reinforced notions of German supremacy in Central Europe that overlapped with other contemporary German nationalist and Catholic conservative views. Therefore the chapter calls into question traditional three-Lager interpretations of interwar Austrian culture by demonstrating the relative coherence of conservative thought through the 1930s.
