Fascism and Mussolini's Relations with Germany

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Questions and Answers

What was one of Schuschnigg's decisions following his meeting with Hitler in Berchtesgaden?

To seek support from Eastern European powers

To grant a general amnesty to Austrian Nazis (correct)

To call for immediate military intervention

To dissolve the Austrian government

What event prompted Schuschnigg to decide to challenge Hitler alone?

An invitation to a Nazi rally

Denial of support from Western European powers (correct)

The failure of his government policies

The military coup by the Nazis

What percentage of the Reichstag seats did the NSDAP control after the September 1930 elections?

Over 50%

Approximately 30% (correct)

Less than 15%

Approximately 25%

Which political party became the only legal party in Nazi Germany after July 1933?

The National Socialist German Workers' Party Signup and view all the answers

Who was appointed as Reich Chancellor in March 1930, marking a shift in political control?

Heinrich Brüning Signup and view all the answers

What economic situation contributed to the rise of the NSDAP in the early 1930s?

Global economic crisis and high unemployment Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the Reichstag elections in September 1930 have on extremist parties?

They solidified alliances between extremist factions. Signup and view all the answers

What was a result of the frequent changes in government during the Weimar Republic?

Diminished public trust in democracy Signup and view all the answers

What prompted Mussolini to promise military assistance to the Austro-fascist government?

Threat of German invasion Signup and view all the answers

What major political change occurred in Austria following the 'July Agreement' in 1936?

National Socialists were included in the government Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence of the agreement signed between Schuschnigg and Hitler in February 1938?

Nazis were allowed to engage in political activities Signup and view all the answers

What was the effect of the 'Thousand Marks Barrier' on Austria?

It harmed the Austrian tourism industry Signup and view all the answers

What did Mussolini's changing relationship with Hitler cause in terms of Austrian leadership?

Weakened support for the Austro-fascist government Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of pardoning the Nazis imprisoned in Austrian prisons following the 'July Agreement'?

To appease German demands Signup and view all the answers

What did the Austrian police uncover in January 1938?

A new Nazi conspiracy Signup and view all the answers

How did Austria officially recognize itself after the 'July Agreement'?

As a German state Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary objective of the Soviet Union during its occupation of Austria?

Exploitation of the Austrian economy Signup and view all the answers

What action did the Western Allies take regarding reparations from Austria?

They successfully prevented direct reparations demands. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Western Allies contribute to the reconstruction of the Austrian economy?

By investing considerable effort, money, and materials. Signup and view all the answers

What significant change occurred in Austria's heavy industry during the post-occupation period?

Nationalization of a large segment of heavy industry Signup and view all the answers

What stimulated the movement of the population from eastern to western Austria during the occupation?

Creation of employment opportunities in western Austria Signup and view all the answers

What illegal means did the National Socialists use to assert their power?

Terrorist attacks Signup and view all the answers

What significant action did Hitler take shortly after becoming Reich Chancellor?

Declared a state of emergency Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism was established to deal with inflation in Austria post-occupation?

Wage-price agreements among stakeholders Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the production levels in Austria after the war?

Production decreased to only one-third of prewar levels. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following freedoms was abolished by Hitler in February 1933?

Freedom of press Signup and view all the answers

How did the occupation affect the division of Austria?

It divided Austria into four Allied occupation zones. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the first actions taken against Jews in Germany under Nazi rule?

Boycotting Jewish-owned shops Signup and view all the answers

What significant change occurred following the death of President Paul von Hindenburg in 1934?

The merging of the president's role with the Reich Chancellor Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the Nazi government's control over political parties?

Banning of all parties except the National Socialist Party Signup and view all the answers

What was the public response in Austria to the idea of uniting with Nazi Germany in 1933?

Active rejection of the idea Signup and view all the answers

What did the treaties of Versailles and Saint Germain prohibit regarding Austria?

Anschluss and customs union Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the 1970s in Austria?

Reform and change within society and politics Signup and view all the answers

Which movement emerged alongside the general protest movements of the 1960s and 1970s in Austria?

New Women's Movement Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the achievements of the New Women's Movement in the 1970s in Austria?

Decriminalization of homosexual conduct Signup and view all the answers

What controversial provision was introduced regarding abortion in the 1970s?

Legalization of abortion within the first three months with conditions Signup and view all the answers

What kind of societal roles did the New Women’s Movement question?

General societal roles of women Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a reform enacted during the 1970s in Austria?

Establishment of women's universities Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant focus area for the New Women’s Movement in Austria?

Health care and social security Signup and view all the answers

Which institution criticized the reforms related to abortion in the 1970s?

The Catholic Church Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mussolini and Austria

Mussolini suspected Nazi Germany was behind Dollfuss's assassination and promised military support to Austria's government against potential German invasion.
Nazi claims on Tyrol, home to a majority ethnic German population, fueled Mussolini's concerns.
Italy's support helped Austria resist German annexation in 1934.

Schuschnigg's Leadership

Kurt Schuschnigg became Austria's chancellor after Dollfuss.
The Austrian government faced increased pressure from Nazi Germany post-1934.
Mussolini's waning support for Austria coincided with his desire to ally with Hitler.

The July Agreement (1936)

Schuschnigg reached the July Agreement with Germany, which included the release of imprisoned Nazis and their inclusion in the government.
Arthur Seyss-Inquart was appointed to the State Council as a Nazi representative.
Germany removed the "Thousand Marks Barrier," allowing greater interaction between German and Austrian economies.

Nazi Political Activities in Austria

Despite the Nazi Party being banned, they gained legal cover to operate in Austria starting in 1937.
By February 12, 1938, an agreement allowed Nazis to engage more freely in political activities, escalating their influence within the government.

Schuschnigg's Negotiations with Hitler

Schuschnigg faced a complex situation with Nazi conspiracies unveiled in January 1938.
During a meeting with Hitler, Schuschnigg was coerced into granting amnesty to Nazis and including them in his cabinet.
On March 9, 1938, Schuschnigg announced a vote on Austrian independence, desperate to counter Nazi control.

Rise of the NSDAP in Germany

The National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP) ruled from January 1933, becoming the sole legal party by July 1933.
Economic crises, unemployment, and political instability facilitated rapid NSDAP growth, with seats increasing in the 1930 Reichstag elections.
The Nazis employed terror tactics to eliminate political opposition and solidify their power.

Establishment of a Totalitarian State

A state of emergency was declared shortly after Hitler became Chancellor; freedom of press and assembly were abolished.
The Nazis dismantled federal state governments and banned all parties except NSDAP within months.
Boycotts against Jewish businesses intensified, and concentration camps were established for political prisoners.

Events Leading to Austria's Annexation (Anschluss)

The Versailles and Saint Germain Treaties prohibited Anschluss, but it became a key aspect of German foreign policy under Hitler.
Austrian sentiments against joining Nazi Germany were initially strong, but the political environment struggled with economic challenges post-World War I.
The fallout from Nazi occupation further weakened Austria's post-war stability and development.

Achievements of the New Women's Movement in Austria

The 1970s marked significant reforms in society and politics, driven by grassroots activism for autonomy, equality, and environmental protection.
The New Women's Movement emerged as a feminist counter-response to patriarchal structures, advocating for women's rights across various sectors, including healthcare and social security.
Major reforms in 1971 included gender equality provisions, the decriminalization of certain behaviors, and the introduction of social legislation beneficial to women and families.
The "Fristenregelung" legalized abortion within the first trimester, though it faced criticism from the Catholic Church.

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Description

Explore the intricate dynamics between Mussolini's Italy and Nazi Germany. This quiz delves into Mussolini's suspicions regarding German involvement in the assassination of Dollfuss and his military commitments to Austria. Test your knowledge on fascism, European geopolitics, and historical alliances.