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The Viennese salon is inextricably linked to Austrian history. It was here that the liberal middle classes networked and increased their influence on the general political climate. It was also where the educated ladies of the time found a playground for their wit. The political and cultural exchange that was fostered there fueled the importance of the emerging middle classes, which became the driving force of democratic change in Austria. A young Berta Zuckerkandl grew up in the salon of her influential parents. Her father, Moritz Szeps, was one of the most powerful newspaper publishers in the country. He was pro-Western and wanted to make Austria a republic based on the French model. He found an ally in the crown prince of the monarchy. As early as the 19th century, Rudolf understood that the monarchy had an expiration date and wanted to introduce a constitutional state. His connection to Moritz Szeps was frowned upon by the imperial family, and he would ultimately lose everything. His daughter led the traditional Viennese salon into the new era and at the turn of the century would carry out enormously important secret diplomacy for Austria. You, like many other salonniéres, have an invaluable influence on our country.