Victim or Perpetrator? This is How Austrians Think About the Nazi Era

A recent online survey by the Unique Research Institute for the magazine Pragmaticus reveals new insights into the Austrians' understanding of history. Although significantly more people today view the Nazi era as entirely negative, the myth of being the "first victim" of National Socialism stubbornly persists.

Significant Change in Historical Awareness

The survey of 800 eligible voters, with a margin of error of +/- 3.5 percentage points, shows: 33 percent of participants see only negative aspects in the Nazi era – a significant increase compared to a comparative study from 1987, where only 15 percent held this view. Another 35 percent see "mostly" negative aspects. Only 15 percent speak of both good and bad aspects – in 1987, this proportion was still 47 percent.

More than half of the respondents express concern that a development similar to the Nazi era could happen again. Almost two-thirds recognize a special responsibility of Austria in the fight against anti-Semitism. The Prohibition Act, which criminalizes Nazi re-engagement, is supported by three-quarters of the participants. Only eight percent (somewhat) agree with the statement that Nazi crimes are exaggerated in historical accounts.

Victim Myth and Relativizations Remain Present

Despite the increased awareness of the problem, according to study author Peter Hajek, a central narrative remains: "Austria's victim myth persists stubbornly." Thus, 28 percent still see themselves as the first victim of the Nazis, although 43 percent acknowledge that Austria was a perpetrator and many Austrians were involved in the crimes.

Additionally, 39 percent (somewhat) support "drawing a line under the engagement with National Socialism." Particularly problematic: 37 percent (somewhat) agree with the statement that Israel's policy towards Palestinians is comparable to that of the Nazis towards the Jews.

FPÖ Electorate Shows Noticeable Tendencies

The survey also reveals differences between political camps. According to Hajek, four out of ten FPÖ voters oppose the Prohibition Act. About half of this group also sees no special historical responsibility of Austria in dealing with the Nazi era.

(Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.