Throughout the 14th and 15th centuries, Austria/Hungary was under the rule of the Hapsburg's. After their collapse, Austria became a world power and then in 1699, gained control of all of Hungary. Then in 1797, Austria went to war with France and after defeat to Napoleon, the H.R.E. fell in 1806. German-Austrian relations lead to an alliance that lasted throughout WWI and into WWII. Although Austria lost both of these wars, they escaped most of the blame when Germany was given heavy reparations and very negative treaty terms (especially in WWI).
Austria's political system became a federal, democratic republic in their 1920 constitution. The leader of Austria's parliament is and was a federal president that is elected by popular vote.
Austria progressed from the extrememly conservative government under Metternich to a democratic and free country.
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