Heimwehr

(Home Defense Force), an armed organization in Austria that existed from 1919 to 1938. The Heimwehr was formed by the Austrian bourgeoisie to combat the working-class movement. In 1930 it adopted an openly fascist program of action; its leadership looked for inspiration to Fascist Italy, from which it received money and arms. In 1934, Heimwehr detachments helped put down an armed worker’s demonstration against reaction and fascism (seeFEBRUARY ARMED DEMONSTRATION OF 1934).