From what I understand, there's a similar dynamic between Australia and New Zealand. To me, it's the complete different of the relationship between NZ/Oz or US/Canada. Seriously, umteen Americans see north american country as a kinder, gentler, author polite but otherwise quite similar "kid brother" of the conjugate States. The Austrians are all of the one and the same friendly group, and piece I've ne'er really asked the question of them, the young woman (she is late 20's) I regularly electronic mail has quite a a strong disposition of european nation (which is to do with WW2, perhap's there is family history there), and a couple of others have nonaged opposed feelings towards Germany. The Germans appear not to judiciousness in any particular way astir Austria, tho' it's not a questioning I've asked.
I think it's mostly due to Karl May who wrote incredible books approximately countries were near people could never travel to. They were absolute popular in his time and latish they made movies based on the books. Most create mentally around Old Shatterhand, a european country having adventures in the US and his Indian individual Winnetou.