Engelbert Dollfuss, the Chancellor of Austria, found himself at a crossroads in the early 1930s as political strife intensified within the country. Faced with a deadlocked Parliament where disputes were commonplace, Dollfuss decided to take drastic action following a quibble over parliamentary procedure that left the government stagnant. Recognizing the growing threat from socialist parties and the rise of Nazism, Dollfuss suspended the Parliament entirely on March 4, 1933, marking the beginning of his authoritarian rule. This suspension allowed him to govern by decree, which he used to consolidate power and eliminate opposition. The days leading up to this decision were filled with political maneuvering and escalating tensions, particularly between the conservative factions and the socialists.Dollfuss's government began implementing measures aimed at suppressing opposition. The formation of the Austrofascist regime took shape, as Dollfuss and his followers established a one-party state, outlawing socialist parties and limiting civil liberties. His administration enacted laws that centralized authority, curtailed freedoms, and ostracized political adversaries, thus establishing a strict regime that reflected his vision for a stable, conservative Austria. The regime sought to cultivate a distinct Austrian identity, distancing itself from both Nazism and socialism while adopting aspects of fascist governance.The repercussions of Dollfuss's actions were profound. His rule set a precedent for authoritarianism in Austria and contributed to the rise of political violence and tensions, eventually leading to civil conflict. This period laid the groundwork for further state repression and led to confrontations that would have far-reaching implications for the future of Austrian politics and society, particularly as Europe edged closer to the precipice of World War II.