Society, Politics, and Daily Life in Fin-de-Siècle Vienna

The course examines Vienna's transformation into the cultural and scientific center of Europe at the beginning of the 20th century. It analyzes the political, social, and cultural conditions that led to Vienna's development into a metropolis, as well as the outstanding achievements in science and culture that made Vienna famous far beyond the borders of the Habsburg Monarchy. However, the dark sides of these developments are also addressed: severe social problems, anti-Semitism, and conflicts between the nationalities living within the boundaries of the city. The course aims at looking behind the common image of fin-de-siècle Vienna and paints a picture of an up-and-coming metropolis with all its bright and dark sides.

The following topics will be covered in the course:

• Political and territorial structure of the Habsburg Monarchy
• Development of territory, demography and population in Vienna 1870-1918
• Administration and political parties in fin-de-siècle Vienna
• The social structure of Vienna and its impact on (everyday) culture
• Czechs, Jews, and other nationalities in Vienna between integration and discrimination
• Education and educational institutions in Vienna 1870-1918
• Food and (mal)nutrition in fin-de-siècle Vienna
• Housing as a social phenomenon

Requirements: The grading is based on participation during class (20 %), a short paper (40 %) and the written final exam (essay type) (40 %).