March 12, 1938

Nazi Germany invades Austria in the Anschluss, leading to its annexation.

Vienna, Austria | Nazi Germany

The Anschluss: Nazi Germany’s Annexation of Austria on March 12, 1938

On March 12, 1938, Nazi Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, executed the Anschluss, the annexation of Austria into the German Reich. This event marked a significant moment in the prelude to World War II, as it demonstrated Hitler’s aggressive expansionist policies and the failure of European powers to contain Nazi ambitions.

Background

The concept of unifying Germany and Austria had been a long-standing idea among German nationalists, dating back to the 19th century. However, the Treaty of Versailles, which concluded World War I, explicitly prohibited the union of Austria and Germany. Despite this, the idea persisted, particularly among Austrian Nazis who sought to align with Hitler’s regime.

Political Context

  • Rise of Nazism: By the 1930s, the Nazi Party had gained significant influence in Austria. The Austrian government, led by Chancellor Kurt Schuschnigg, was under pressure from both internal Nazi sympathizers and external threats from Germany.
  • Hitler’s Ambitions: Adolf Hitler, himself an Austrian by birth, was determined to bring Austria into the German fold, viewing it as a natural extension of his vision for a Greater Germany.

Key Events Leading to the Anschluss

  • February 1938 Meeting: In a meeting at Berchtesgaden on February 12, 1938, Hitler coerced Schuschnigg into appointing Nazi sympathizers to key positions within the Austrian government, including Arthur Seyss-Inquart as Minister of the Interior.
  • Plebiscite Announcement: In a last-ditch effort to maintain Austrian independence, Schuschnigg announced a plebiscite for March 13, 1938, allowing Austrians to vote on their country’s sovereignty. This move was intended to demonstrate popular opposition to annexation.

The Invasion and Annexation

  • German Troop Movements: On March 11, 1938, under the pretext of restoring order, Hitler ordered German troops to march into Austria. The following day, March 12, German forces crossed the border unopposed, as the Austrian military offered no resistance.
  • Proclamation of the Anschluss: On March 13, 1938, the Anschluss was officially proclaimed, and Austria was incorporated into Nazi Germany. The plebiscite, held on April 10, 1938, was manipulated to show overwhelming support for the annexation, with 99.7% of Austrians allegedly voting in favor.

Aftermath and Historical Significance

  • International Reaction: The Anschluss was met with little more than diplomatic protests from other European powers, notably Britain and France, who were reluctant to confront Hitler militarily. This emboldened Hitler to pursue further territorial expansion.
  • Impact on Austria: The annexation led to the immediate implementation of Nazi policies in Austria, including the persecution of Jews and political dissidents. It marked the beginning of a dark period in Austrian history, as the country became fully integrated into the Nazi regime.

The Anschluss was a critical step in Hitler’s expansionist strategy, setting the stage for further aggression in Europe. It highlighted the weaknesses of the international community in curbing Nazi ambitions and foreshadowed the broader conflicts that would erupt with the onset of World War II.

Reference: en.wikipedia.org