Heimatschutz is a German word which literally translated means, "homeland protection." In 1916, Austrian Max Dvorak's Katechismus der DenkmalpfIege appeared. In this book Dvorak builds upon the ideas of fellow Austrian Alois Riegl and extends the idea of "homeland protection" beyond simply protection of geographical boarders to encapsulate a society's culture.

At the end of the First World War Heimatschutz groups appear in Austria to protect German culture. In 1930 these groups become part of the Austrian government. In 1933 become part of the Vaterländische Front (Front of the Faterland). When Austria was annexed by Germany in 1938 the Vaterländische Front was disbanded and the Heimatschutz groups became part of the SA and later the SS.

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