Anschluss of 1938

The Anschluss of 1938

• The Anschluss was a defining moment in European history, marking Nazi Germany's annexation of Austria in 1938.
• The seeds of the Anschluss were sown in the aftermath of World War I, when the Treaty of Versailles dismantled the Austro-Hungarian Empire, leaving Austria a vulnerable nation.

Historical Context

• In 1934, Hitler's first attempt to unite Austria with Germany, the failed July Putsch, underscored his desire for a greater German Reich.
• By 1938, Hitler had consolidated power in Germany and sought to bring Austria into the fold to fulfill his vision of a unified German nation.

The Role of the Austrian Nazi Party

• The Austrian Nazi Party, led by Arthur Seyss-Inquart, played a crucial role in fomenting unrest and destabilizing the government of Chancellor Kurt Schuschnigg.

The Annexation

• Facing mounting pressure, Schuschnigg attempted to assert Austrian independence in February 1938 by calling for a referendum on the country's future.
• However, under threat of invasion, he was forced to resign, paving the way for Seyss-Inquart to assume power and invite German troops into Austria.
• On March 12, 1938, German forces crossed the border unopposed, greeted by jubilant crowds and met with minimal resistance.

International Response

• The response from the international community was mixed, with some nations offering tacit support and others condemning the Anschluss as a flagrant violation of international law.

Consequences of the Anschluss

• The Anschluss brought not only territorial expansion but also strategic advantages, including access to Austria's resources and manpower.
• It bolstered Hitler's popularity at home, consolidating his power and reinforcing his status as the undisputed leader of the German people.

Austria

• The Austrian state was established after World War I and was made up of German speakers.
• Austria's political climate during this time was characterized by intense nationalism and anti-French sentiment, which would eventually contribute to the country's incorporation into Nazi Germany.

Adolf Hitler

• Adolf Hitler rose to prominence as the leader of the National Socialist German Workers' Party, commonly known as the Nazis.
• Hitler believed that Germany could only achieve greatness through expansionist policies, which would eventually lead to the conquest of Austria and Czechoslovakia.

Nazi Germany

• Nazi Germany was characterized by its totalitarian regime, which enforced strict control over every aspect of society and life in Germany from 1933 to 1945.
• Under Hitler's leadership, the country embarked on a campaign of aggression and expansionism aimed at establishing Greater Germany.

Consequences of the Anschluss (Continued)

• Following the Anschluss, Austria effectively became a province of Nazi Germany, with its own cabinet minister being appointed as a Reich Commissioner.
• The annexation of Austria brought approximately two-thirds of prewar Austrian troops into the Wehrmacht, along with most army and air force officers.

Delve into the historical context of the Anschluss of 1938, a defining moment in European history that marked Nazi Germany's annexation of Austria. Learn how the event was influenced by the aftermath of World War I and the dismantling of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.