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Gedenktafel für den 12. Februar 1934

A solemn memorial in Vienna's Liesing district commemorating the Austrian Civil War and the fight for democracy against Austro-fascism on February 12, 1934, inviting reflection on Austria's complex past.

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The Gedenktafel für den 12. Februar 1934 (Memorial Plaque for February 12, 1934) commemorates a pivotal moment in Austrian history, marking the beginning of the Austrian Civil War. This conflict arose from escalating tensions between the Social Democratic Party and the Austro-fascist government, erupting into open violence on February 12, 1934. The plaque serves as a solemn reminder of the struggle for democracy and freedom against authoritarianism. Located in the Liesing district of Vienna, it invites reflection on the events that shaped Austria's path in the 20th century. The memorial is a place for locals and tourists to remember the victims and fighters of the February Uprising. It stands as a symbol of resistance and a testament to the enduring quest for social justice and political liberty. Visiting this site offers a poignant opportunity to connect with Austria's complex past and contemplate the importance of safeguarding democratic values.

A brief summary to Gedenktafel für den 12. Februar 1934

Local tips

  • Take a moment to reflect on the historical significance of the plaque and the events of February 1934 in Austria.
  • Combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding Liesing district to experience a typical Viennese residential area.
  • Consider visiting other memorials in Vienna related to the February Uprising and the Austro-fascist period for a broader understanding of this era.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From central Vienna, take the U6 subway line to Alterlaa. From there, take bus 60A towards Liesing and get off at the Elisenstraße stop. The memorial plaque is a short walk from the bus stop, located at Elisenstraße 36. A single ticket for public transport within Vienna costs €2.40 and is valid for one journey, allowing changes between different lines.

  • Walking

    If you are already in the vicinity of Liesing, you can reach Elisenstraße 36 by walking. Use a map app to guide you towards Elisenstraße, orienting yourself using local landmarks such as the Liesing train station or the Riverside shopping center. From the train station, walk east along Seybelgasse, then turn right onto Elisenstraße. The memorial plaque will be on your left after a few blocks. No costs are associated with walking.

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The Gedenktafel für den 12. Februar 1934, a memorial plaque in Vienna's 23rd district (Liesing), stands as a poignant reminder of the tumultuous events of February 1934, which marked the beginning of the Austrian Civil War. This brief but intense conflict pitted the socialist-leaning Republikanischer Schutzbund (Republican Defense League) against the forces of the Austro-fascist government led by Chancellor Engelbert Dollfuß. The plaque serves not only as a historical marker but also as a symbol of the struggle for democracy and resistance against authoritarianism in Austria. The events of February 12, 1934, were the culmination of growing political polarization and social unrest in Austria. In the aftermath of World War I, the country was deeply divided between left-wing and right-wing factions, each with their own paramilitary organizations. The Social Democratic Party, with its strong base in Vienna's working class, advocated for social reforms and democratic principles. On the other side, the Christian Social Party, supported by conservative elements and the Catholic Church, sought to establish an authoritarian corporatist state. Tensions escalated in the early 1930s as Chancellor Dollfuß, seeking to consolidate power, gradually dismantled democratic institutions. In March 1933, he suspended Parliament and began ruling by decree. The government's actions, coupled with economic hardship caused by the Great Depression, fueled resentment and radicalization among the Social Democrats and their supporters. The spark that ignited the February Uprising was a police raid on the Hotel Schiff in Linz, a known gathering place for Social Democrats and suspected location of hidden weapons. Resistance to the raid quickly escalated into armed clashes between the Schutzbund and government forces. The fighting spread to Vienna and other industrial centers, with the Schutzbund barricading themselves in workers' districts and engaging in street battles with the army and police. Despite their initial resistance, the Schutzbund fighters were ultimately outmatched and overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the government forces. The uprising was brutally suppressed within a few days, with hundreds of people killed or wounded. In the aftermath, the Social Democratic Party was banned, its leaders arrested or forced into exile, and Austria transitioned into a fully authoritarian regime known as the Ständestaat. The Gedenktafel für den 12. Februar 1934 serves as a memorial to those who fought and died during the February Uprising, both members of the Schutzbund and civilians caught in the crossfire. It is a place for reflection on the causes and consequences of the conflict, and a reminder of the importance of defending democratic values and resisting oppression. The plaque is located on Elisenstraße 36, in the heart of a residential area in Liesing. The surrounding neighborhood is typical of Vienna's outer districts, with a mix of apartment buildings, shops, and green spaces. While not a major tourist destination, the Gedenktafel is easily accessible by public transportation and offers a glimpse into a lesser-known chapter of Austrian history. Visiting the Gedenktafel provides an opportunity to learn about the complex political and social dynamics of interwar Austria, and to consider the lessons of the February Uprising for contemporary society. It is a reminder that democracy is not a given, but a fragile achievement that must be constantly defended against those who seek to undermine it. The events of February 1934 had a lasting impact on Austria's political landscape. The suppression of the Social Democratic Party and the establishment of the Ständestaat paved the way for Austria's annexation by Nazi Germany in 1938. After World War II, Austria emerged as a democratic republic, but the legacy of the February Uprising continued to shape the country's political culture and collective memory. The Gedenktafel für den 12. Februar 1934 is one of several memorials and monuments in Vienna that commemorate the events of the February Uprising. Others include plaques at the Reumannhof, a large social housing complex that was a center of resistance during the conflict, and at the Zentralfriedhof, Vienna's central cemetery, where many of the victims are buried. These memorials serve as important reminders of Austria's past and the ongoing struggle for democracy and social justice. The memorial plaque is a simple yet powerful symbol of resistance and remembrance. It invites visitors to pause, reflect, and learn from the past, ensuring that the sacrifices of those who fought for democracy in February 1934 are not forgotten. It is a reminder of the fragility of democracy and the importance of vigilance in the face of authoritarianism. Today, the Gedenktafel für den 12. Februar 1934 stands as a testament to the enduring human spirit and the unwavering pursuit of freedom and justice. It is a place where visitors can connect with Austria's history, honor the memory of those who fought for a better future, and reaffirm their commitment to democratic values.

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