In the 20th century, Austria experienced a period of great political unrest and changes that resulted in the country's strong and stable position in Europe and the world.

In 1914, there was a successful assassination attempt on the heir to the throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, in Sarajevo. This event became one of the flashpoints of World War I.

In 1916, Emperor Franz Joseph died, and the end of the war marked the end of the monarchy - Austria became a republic.