1918. Austro-Hungarian empire collapses at the end of World War I, and the Republic of Austria is formed.
1922. Austria receives a loan from the League of Nations, pledging to remain independent for 20 years.
1930s. Dictatorship of Engelbert Dollfuss occurs.
1934. In February civil war breaks out, and the Socialist Party is outlawed.
1934. A coup d'etat by the National Socialists fails in July, and Dollfuss is assassinated by the Nazis.
1938. Austria is incorporated into Germany's Third Reich.
1945. In April Soviet troops liberate the eastern part of Austria, including Vienna. Austria is divided.
1945. Under the Potsdam agreements, the Soviets take control of German assets in their zone of occupation.
1955. All occupation forces are withdrawn, and Austria becomes free and independent.
1955. The Nationalrat enacts the Federal Constitutional Law, declaring the country's permanent neutrality. Austria becomes a member of the United Nations.
1979. Austria gains a permanent seat in the United Nations.
1972. Austria signs a free trade agreement with the European Community, abolishing all industrial tariffs.
1995. Austria becomes a full member of the European Union, together with Finland and Sweden.
1995. Austria joins NATO's Partnership for Peace program.