The Anschluss of Austria: A Historical Quiz

The Anschluss of Austria

• The Anschluss was the annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany in 1938.
• This event marked a significant escalation of Nazi Germany's aggressive foreign policy, violating the Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye and the Treaty of Versailles.
• The Austrian government was pressured by Nazi Germany, eventually leading to the Anschluss.
• The Austrian Nazi Party, supported by Germany, played a crucial role in the process.

Background leading to the Anschluss

• Post-World War I, Austria was a small, economically struggling nation.
• The Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye imposed severe restrictions on Austria, such as limiting its army and forbidding union with Germany.
• The rise of Nazism in Germany created a powerful political force with expansionist ambitions.
• Austrian Nazis actively sought Anschluss, believing in the idea of a Greater German Reich.

Role of Adolf Hitler

• Adolf Hitler had a long-standing ambition to incorporate Austria into Germany.
• He viewed Austria as part of his vision for a unified Greater German Reich.
• Hitler's increasingly aggressive foreign policy contributed to the pressure on Austria, and the Anschluss was ultimately a consequence of that policy.
• His personal will to annex Austria was vital in the process.

Stages of the Anschluss

• Austria's Chancellor Kurt von Schuschnigg attempted to resist German pressure for Anschluss, including holding a plebiscite.
• However, this resistance was ultimately unsuccessful.
• Strong German pressure, including troop deployment near the Austrian border, was a key factor in the Anschluss.
• The Austrian government and military forces proved effectively unable to resist.

Reactions and Consequences

• The international community, particularly Britain and France, reacted with concerns, but without taking effective action to prevent the Anschluss and avoid conflict.
• They weren't prepared to stop German ambitions through military intervention.
• The Anschluss was met with little opposition and was largely facilitated by the actions of Nazi Germany rather than the willingness of Austria.
• Increased political instability and repression took place within the newly annexed territory.
• The Anschluss was a clear example of the effectiveness and success of Nazi Germany's expansionist policies.

Impact on the Development of World War II

• The Anschluss was a significant turning point in the lead-up to World War II.
• It demonstrated the weakness of the international response to German aggression.
• The annexation bolstered German strength and confidence—adding further population and resources to their war machine.
• It signaled a worrying trend, demonstrating the relative ease with which Hitler could achieve geopolitical goals he pursued through deception.
• The lack of a decisive response by European powers emboldened further German aggression in the years that followed.

Test your knowledge on the Anschluss of Austria, the pivotal event of 1938 when Austria was annexed by Nazi Germany. Explore the political pressures, the role of the Austrian Nazi Party, and the impact of treaties on this historical moment. This quiz covers key events and figures leading to this significant incorporation into the Third Reich.