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 borders 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 Fatherland). When Austria was annexed by Germany in 1938 the Vaterländische Front was disbanded and the Heimatschutz groups were deported to concentration camps by the SA and later the SS.
Today, the word is used to translate the English expression "homeland security" used by the US federal government after the September 11, 2001 attacks.
The meaning of Heimatschutz in Switzerland is different. It's best translated as Swiss Heritage, a society dedicated to the advancement of Switzerland’s architectural heritage. Its focus is on the preservation of important landmarks, the development of the structural environment, and the promotion of good architectural design.[1]