Heimwehr

Quick Facts: Who was Heimwehr?

Subject:

Heimwehr

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Clerico-fascist paramilitary group in interwar Austria, opposing socialism and democracy.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Heimwehr (German: [ˈhaɪmˌveːɐ̯], lit. 'Home Guard') or Heimatschutz (German: [ˈhaɪmatˌʃʊts], lit. 'Homeland Protection') was a clerico-fascist, nationalist, initially paramilitary, group that operated in the First Austrian Republic from 1920 to 1936. It was similar in methods, organization, and ideology to the Freikorps in Germany. The Heimwehr was opposed to parliamentary democracy, socialism and Marxism and fought in various skirmishes against left-wing and foreign groups during the 1920s and 1930s.

Career & Major Achievements

Some of its regional groups also opposed Nazism while others favored it. In spite of its anti-democratic stance, the Heimwehr developed a political wing called the Heimatblock ('Homeland Bloc') that was close to the conservative Christian Social Party and took part in both the cabinet of Chancellor Carl Vaugoin in 1930 and in Engelbert Dollfuss' right-wing government from 1932 to 1934. In 1936 the Heimwehr was absorbed into what was at the time the only legally permitted political party in Austria, the Fatherland Front, and then later into the Frontmiliz, an amalgamation of militia units that in 1937 became part of Austria's armed forces. After the end of World War I and the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, local residents' militias and self-defense associations formed mainly from demobilized soldiers sprang up across Austria. Their purpose initially was to protect the local population from dangers such as those posed by soldiers trying to make their way to their home countries who, driven by hunger and largely without leadership, sometimes looted and assaulted the population in the areas they passed through.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Such local self-defense associations over time formed individual Heimwehr units. Beginning in April 1919, the Vorarlberg provincial government approved and promoted active paramilitary people's militias to combat Austromarxism, either equipping the militia members with weapons or allowing them to use their own. They were led by the Christian Socialist provincial governor Otto Ender and financed primarily by local industry. In the summer of 1920 they had about 3,000 members, whereas the Austrian army in the province had only 800 soldiers under arms. The Vorarlberg Heimwehr subsequently emerged from the militia groups.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1919: 1919 Milestone — Beginning in April 1919, the Vorarlberg provincial government approved and promoted active paramilitary people's militias to combat Austromarxism, either equipping the militia members with weapons or allowing them to use their own.
2. 1920: 1920 Milestone — 'Homeland Protection') was a clerico-fascist, nationalist, initially paramilitary, group that operated in the First Austrian Republic from 1920 to 1936.
3. 1930: 1930 Milestone — In spite of its anti-democratic stance, the Heimwehr developed a political wing called the Heimatblock ('Homeland Bloc') that was close to the conservative Christian Social Party and took part in both the cabinet of Chancellor Carl Vaugoin in 1930 and in Engelbert Dollfuss' right-wing government from 1932 to 1934.
4. 1936: 1936 Milestone — In 1936 the Heimwehr was absorbed into what was at the time the only legally permitted political party in Austria, the Fatherland Front, and then later into the Frontmiliz, an amalgamation of militia units that in 1937 became part of Austria's armed forces.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Heimwehr

True or False: “The Heimwehr was initially formed solely as a purely voluntary civilian self-defense association with no political aspirations.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While initially framed as non-political, the group quickly developed significant political aims, advocating for authoritarian and corporatist changes to Austria's system.

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