Vienna, Austria: Karl Renner Statue

George Washington is known as the "father of our country" in the United States. Dr. Karl Renner has the title of "Father of the Republic" in Austria. So he's naturally worth a paragraph or two here, as well as a statue near the Parliament building.

Renner was a leader of the Social Democrats in 1918, when the monarchy collapsed at the end of World War I. He was named the Chancellor of German-Austria just before the end of the war, and became the Chancellor of Austria about a year later. He brought in some social reforms, like an eight-hour work day, unemployment insurance, and work regulations. On the other hand, many in Austria considered him antisemitic. Renner continued to work in government for much of the 1920s and 1930s. 

Then in 1945, Renner took a bold step by contacting the Soviets in the spring as their occupation of Austria was underway at the end of World War II. He was asked by them to form a provisional government. Other nations were suspicious, but some believe that Renner allowed Austria to remain one country, as opposed to the split that took place with Germany after the war.