Vienna in the 19th century. The city is changing at a rapid pace from the medieval center of a dynasty to an up-and-coming metropolis. In the course of industrialization, millions of people from all parts of the multi-ethnic state stream into the heart of the empire. Technological progress is changing society inexorably and at breakneck speed. The wealth of a few is growing and more and more people are sliding into abject poverty. Exploited in the factories and without any rights, a movement is rising from this misery.
A class is born – that of workers. A fight for justice begins and gives an oppressed mass their voice. This turning point heralds a new era and shakes up the prevailing power structures.
Mass housing and hunger – inhumane working conditions, people as a mass and an oppressive state apparatus that does not care about the concerns of its subjects. All this creates an explosive mixture within the monarchy.
In this two-part documentary, Mona Krisch and Bernhard Riener trace the emergence of this movement using interviews with renowned historians, newspaper reports, personal notes, historical documents. Demands such as the 8-hour day, health insurance or universal suffrage are taken for granted today. Despite many defeats, resistance and persecution, Viktor Adler, Adelheid Popp, Franz Schuhmeier and Anna Boschek fought for these achievements. They laid the foundation for democratic development in Austria and the social welfare state with all its rights.