Austria's transition into a republic marked a pivotal moment in European history, occurring in the aftermath of the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which dissolved following its defeat in World War I. On that day, politicians and leaders who aimed to construct a new, democratic political order in Austria proclaimed the establishment of the First Austrian Republic. This declaration was aimed at addressing the desires of a population eager for self-determination and the creation of a parliamentary state. However, the new government faced immediate challenges from radical factions within the country, notably the communist Red Guard, who sought to assert their influence amid the political vacuum left by the empire's dissolution.In response to the proclamation of the republic, the Red Guard attempted a coup and sought to overthrow the newly formed government. This attempt highlighted the intense political divisions within the country and the struggle for power amidst a backdrop of economic hardship, social unrest, and the haunting legacy of war. The social-democratic Volkswehr, arising as a defensive force for the republic, mobilized swiftly to counter the threat posed by the Red Guard. Their intervention culminated in a decisive confrontation, wherein the Volkswehr successfully defeated the insurgents, thereby maintaining the republic's stability during its formative days. This conflict not only defined the immediate political landscape but also set the stage for future struggles between socialist and conservative elements in Austria.The fallout from these events resonated throughout Austria's political environment, contributing to a complex and turbulent trajectory that would influence the country's governance and societal dynamics in the interwar years. The suppression of the Red Guard's coup attempt was not merely a defensive action; it solidified the social-democrats' power and established a precarious balance in the tumultuous period that followed World War I.