Vorarlberg and Switzerland: A forgotten referendum awakened!

Vorarlberg and Switzerland: A forgotten referendum awakened!

Vorarlberg, Österreich - The debate about Vorarlberg's possible belonging to Switzerland, which originated in 1919, is currently gaining explosive again. On May 11, 1919, the population of Vorarlberg voted in a referendum as to whether the state government was supposed to accept access negotiations with Switzerland. With an overwhelming majority of 81.2 % with a turnout of 81 %, voters spoke in favor of these negotiations. The discussion has received new impulses on social media, especially on platforms such as Reddit, where speculation is speculated about the historical events and possible alternative scenarios. Vol.at reported that the political situation after the First World War was shaped by the decay of Austria-Hungary and a significant economy in Vorarlberg.

The support for joining Switzerland was strongly pronounced among the population, according to various reports. However, despite the broad approval, there were significant resistance from important social groups, including industrial representatives, railroaders and the clergy. The term "canton left" was shaped by Anton Zumtobel and should ironically allude to Vorarlberg's ambitions. Switzerland itself also signaled willingness to talk, but remained neutral in the crucial phase.

background and results of the referendum

The referendum took place against the background of an unclear political future for German Austria. Vorarlberg seriously suffered from the post -war economy, which increased the desire for a connection to neighboring Switzerland. According to reports, simple citizens primarily lived in Vorarlberg who wanted the connection, while the elites voted majority for remaining in German Austria. On the day of the vote, 57,655 voters (81 %) took part, with 46,825 of them (81 %) voted for the accession negotiations. The project was supported in almost all communities, but the municipalities of Bludenz, Hittisau and Bolgenach were except. wikipedia pointing out that the vote from the perspective of the Vorarlberger was a way to find a voice in the uncertain post -war period.

Nonetheless, the application for accession in March 1919 in Bern was only received by the Swiss Foreign Minister. The Austrian Chancellor Karl Renner opposed the presentation of a connection and the international reactions were mostly negative. The "Council of Four" - consisting of the USA, Great Britain, France and Italy - announced on December 17, 1919 that a Vorarlberg split off Austria would not be supported. This decision prevented Vorarlberg from realizing his desire for independence.

episodes for Vorarlberg

After the vote, Vorarlberg became part of the Republic of Austria by the Saint-Germain Treaty in 1919. In 1920 the constitutional anchoring took place as a federal state. Otto Ender, the governor of Vorarlberg, had campaigned for the accession to Switzerland and later became an Austrian Chancellor. However, the ambitions for a connection to Switzerland lose importance with the stabilization of the Republic of Austria. The last rest of the splitting movement became meaningless in the following years.