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Von der Befreiung zur Freiheit


A sensitive portrait of one of the most important eras of Austrian history – from Austria’s Allied occupation until the re-establishment of full sovereignty with the State Treaty in 1955. Erich Lessing portrayed politics as well as a new emerging society and the revival of the cultural scene in post-war Austria. Text contributions by well-known personalities like Gerd Bacher, Alexander Giese and Ludwig Steiner.



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230 photos
Helmut Qualtinger (1928-1986), actor, writer and comedian, in his role as "Herr Karl". In a frightening monologue, "Herr Karl" opportunistically switches between political loyalties, is paid for joining demonstrations and considers himself a victim of circumstances.
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Helmut Qualtinger (1928-1986), actor, writer and comedian, in his role as "Herr...

Potsdam Conference: Stalin, Molotov and others
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Potsdam Conference: Stalin, Molotov and others

The provisional Austrian cabinet sitting at the first meeting of the first elected parliament of the Second Republic. At the top centre of the dais is Karl Seitz, former mayor of Vienna, in the centre of the bottom row is Karl Renner, 75-year old chancellor in the provisional government, who became the first president of the Republic, December 20th, 1945
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The provisional Austrian cabinet sitting at the first meeting of the first elect...

Elections in Austria, November 25, 1945: Dr.Karl Renner, former chancellor, then leader of the Austrian Socialist Party, casts his vote.
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Elections in Austria, November 25, 1945: Dr.Karl Renner, former chancellor, the...

Dr.Karl Renner taking the office of president of the Second Austrian Republic before the assembled members of the newly elected Parliament. 20 December 1945.
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Dr.Karl Renner taking the office of president of the Second Austrian Republic be...

Austrian Parliament: Dr.Felix Hurdes, Secretary of State for Education, speaking. Below him (L.to r.) are Dr. Georg Zimmermann, Leopold Figl, Karl Renner state-chancellor, Adolf Schaerf,Franz Honner ,December 19th, 1945.
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Austrian Parliament: Dr.Felix Hurdes, Secretary of State for Education, speakin...

The "kitchen cabinet" of Federal Chancellor Leopold Figl: sitting in the parlour of his apartment, left of the Chancellor, are Karl Gruber, Foreign Minister, Lukas Beroldingen, Figl's secretary, and, to the right of Leopold Figl, Fritz Meznik, head of the Federal Press Service. Vienna, 1946. Photo by David Seymour / Magnum Photos
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The "kitchen cabinet" of Federal Chancellor Leopold Figl: sitting in the parlour...

A demonstration for the reunification of the South Tyrol, ceded to Italy after the First World War. Two small boys in Tyrolean costume carry a board with the sign: "155,000 signatures" for reunification.
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A demonstration for the reunification of the South Tyrol, ceded to Italy after...

A demonstration for the reunification of the South Tyrol, ceded to Italy after the First World War. Thousands line Maria-Theresienstrasse, the main street of Innsbruck. The South-Tyrol (Alto Adige) has remained Italian ever since, but various Austrian governments reached a good autonomy status for the region.
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A demonstration for the reunification of the South Tyrol, ceded to Italy after...

A demonstration for the reunification of the South Tyrol, ceded to Italy after the First World War. Inhabitants of Bozen (Bolzano) in their Tyrolean costumes carry signs saying "South-Tyrol, come home!" The South-Tyrol (Alto Adige) has remained Italian ever since, but various governments reached a good autonomy status for the region.
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A demonstration for the reunification of the South Tyrol, ceded to Italy after...

General Mark Clark, High Commissioner and Commander of US forces in Austria during a parade of US-soldiers in Vienna, flanked by the other three High Commissioners. 1946.
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General Mark Clark, High Commissioner and Commander of US forces in Austria duri...

In the summer of 1946 the first Austrian railway train passes the frontier between the US- and the Soviet zone on its way from Salzburg to Vienna.
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In the summer of 1946 the first Austrian railway train passes the frontier betwe...