Engelbert Dollfuss speech to the League of Nations

Engelbert Dollfuss (1892-1934) was an Austrian Christian Social and Patriotic Front statesman who served as Chancellor of Austria and as right-wing dictator of Austria from 1933 until his death. Dollfuss served in the Austro-Hungarian army in World War I and was a very decorated soldier. After his return from the war, he was eventually named minister of agriculture and forests; he became Chancellor of Austria on May 20, 1932. In 1933, under the name of the Christian Social Party, he established a one-party dictatorship rule similar to fascist rule in Italy, banning all other political parties. He looked to Italy for support and protection from the advancing Nazi threat, and corresponded with Mussolini. On May 1, 1934, Dollfuss’ new constitution became effective and all traces of democracy from the first Austrian Republic were swept away. Dollfuss was assassinated by eight Nazi agents in July 1934.