Austria regained its independence on May 15, 1955 after World War 2 when the United States and Britain declared Austrians a liberated people. Vienna is the capital city of Austria. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Austria established a strong monarchy and tax structure during the Age of Absolutism. World War 1 and 2 heavily involved Austria, with World War 2 bringing about Austria's union with Germany in 1938. Austria gained sovereignty after World War 2 and developed a healthy economy during the Cold War while maintaining neutrality.
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