In March 1938, a pivotal moment in European history occurred when Nazi Germany annexed Austria in what became known as the Anschluss. This event marked a significant step in Adolf Hitler’s broader plan to unite all German-speaking peoples under one Reich and laid the groundwork for further aggressive expansion leading up to World War II. The annexation of Austria was not just a political maneuver but also a moment that reflected the shifting ideologies, rising nationalism, and failure of international powers to prevent escalating authoritarianism. The implications of this event were profound for Austria, Germany, and the rest of the world.
Background of the Anschluss
The Roots of German-Austrian Unity
After the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire following World War I, Austria became a small republic with limited power and influence. Many Austrians, especially those who spoke German and shared cultural ties with Germany, began to express the desire for a political union with their northern neighbor. The Treaty of Versailles, along with the Treaty of Saint-Germain, strictly forbade any union between Austria and Germany. However, these treaties could not suppress the growing sentiment among German-speaking populations for reunification.
Hitler’s Rise and Intentions
Adolf Hitler, born in Austria in 1889, harbored dreams of a greater Germany that included his homeland. After rising to power in Germany in 1933, Hitler began to openly promote the idea of unifying all German-speaking peoples. For Hitler, incorporating Austria into the Third Reich was a matter of destiny and ideology. He saw it as a necessary step in creating a racially and culturally unified German empire.
Political Climate in Austria
Authoritarian Rule and Weak Governance
In the 1930s, Austria was experiencing internal strife. After years of political instability and violence between fascist and socialist forces, Chancellor Engelbert Dollfuss established an authoritarian regime in 1934. He banned all opposition parties, including the Austrian Nazi Party, and aligned himself with Mussolini’s Italy. Dollfuss’s assassination by Nazi sympathizers that same year intensified tensions between Austrian nationalists and pro-German unification supporters.
Kurt Schuschnigg and Mounting Pressure
Dollfuss’s successor, Kurt Schuschnigg, tried to maintain Austrian independence while facing increasing pressure from Hitler. Though Schuschnigg tried to appease Germany by including some pro-Nazi figures in his government, he remained committed to preserving Austria’s sovereignty. In early 1938, Hitler summoned Schuschnigg to Berchtesgaden, where he was coerced into agreeing to terms that favored Nazi influence in Austria’s government. Fearing total German control, Schuschnigg announced a national referendum to let Austrians decide on independence, which enraged Hitler.
The German Invasion
March 1938: The March into Austria
On March 12, 1938, German troops crossed the Austrian border unopposed. This military occupation was met with cheers and celebrations by many Austrians who supported unification with Germany. There was no military resistance, and within hours, Austria was under Nazi control. The next day, Hitler himself entered Austria and declared the Anschluss, stating that he was fulfilling a historical mission to unite all Germans.
Legalizing the Annexation
A controlled and manipulated referendum was held on March 13, 1938, asking Austrians if they approved of the union with Germany. The official results showed an overwhelming majority in favor, but the vote was conducted under heavy Nazi supervision and propaganda. With this, Austria ceased to exist as an independent nation and became the province of Ostmark in the German Reich.
International Reaction
Appeasement and Inaction
The annexation of Austria was a clear violation of the Treaty of Versailles and the principle of national sovereignty. However, major European powers, including Britain and France, did not respond with any real opposition. These nations were pursuing a policy of appeasement, hoping that satisfying Hitler’s demands would prevent a larger conflict. The League of Nations also failed to take any effective action.
The Vatican and Other Responses
While some religious leaders expressed concern, and Pope Pius XI criticized the Nazi regime, overall international reaction remained subdued. Most governments preferred to avoid confrontation with Germany at that time, underestimating the future implications of allowing such aggressive expansion to proceed unchecked.
Consequences for Austria
Repression and Nazification
Once Austria was annexed, Nazi policies were quickly implemented. Opposition was crushed, Jewish citizens were targeted, and thousands were arrested or sent to concentration camps. Austria’s culture and institutions were forcibly integrated into the Nazi state. The annexation also contributed to the perception that Austrians were complicit in Nazi crimes, although many were also victims of the regime.
Economic and Military Integration
Austrians were drafted into the German army and contributed significantly to the Nazi war effort. Austrian resources, industries, and manpower were absorbed into Germany’s economic and military system. For many Austrians, the early days of the Anschluss brought economic opportunities, but these would be overshadowed by the horrors of war and genocide that followed.
Legacy of the Anschluss
Postwar Reflection and Controversy
After World War II, Austria was re-established as an independent nation in 1945. For decades, Austria promoted the idea of being the first victim of Nazi aggression. However, modern historians acknowledge that many Austrians supported the Anschluss and willingly participated in Nazi activities. The debate over Austria’s role during the Nazi period continues to shape its national identity and collective memory.
Lessons Learned
- The annexation demonstrated how appeasement can embolden aggressive regimes.
- It showed the vulnerability of small nations to political manipulation and military pressure.
- It underscored the importance of international cooperation in upholding sovereignty and peace.
The German annexation of Austria in 1938 was a watershed moment in the lead-up to World War II. It revealed the ambitions of the Nazi regime, the fragility of the international system, and the tragic consequences of unchecked totalitarianism. While many Austrians initially welcomed the union, the dark legacy of Nazi rule and its aftermath reshaped the country’s future. Today, the Anschluss stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of defending democracy, sovereignty, and human rights against authoritarian threats.
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