When did germany annex austria?
Updated: October 2, 2024Historical Context Leading to the Annexation
The annexation of Austria by Germany, also known as the Anschluss, occurred on March 12, 1938. This event did not happen in isolation but was the culmination of several interconnected political and social developments in Europe.
The Treaty of Versailles, signed at the end of World War I, had a profound impact on Germany and Austria. Both nations faced severe economic hardship, political instability, and a sense of national humiliation. In Germany, the rise of Adolf Hitler and the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP) was fueled by promises of restoring national pride and overturning the Versailles Treaty.
Austria, on the other hand, was struggling with its own internal issues. The First Austrian Republic, established after the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, faced economic difficulties and political strife. The idea of unification with Germany (Anschluss) had been popular among many Austrians, especially among German-speaking populations who felt a cultural and historical affinity with their northern neighbor.
Rise of Nazi Influence in Austria
By the early 1930s, the Nazi Party had begun to gain traction in Austria. The Austrian Nazis, inspired by their German counterparts, sought to bring Austria into the fold of a Greater Germany. Austrian Chancellor Engelbert Dollfuss tried to counter this influence by banning the Nazi Party in Austria and establishing an authoritarian regime.
Despite these efforts, Nazi sympathies continued to grow. The assassination of Dollfuss in 1934 by Austrian Nazis marked a significant escalation in tensions. His successor, Kurt Schuschnigg, attempted to maintain Austrian independence but faced increasing pressure from both the local Nazi movement and Adolf Hitler's regime in Germany.
Events Leading Up to the Annexation
In early 1938, under mounting pressure, Schuschnigg met with Hitler at Berchtesgaden. Hitler demanded that Austria align its policies with those of Nazi Germany, including appointing pro-Nazi officials to key positions. Schuschnigg reluctantly agreed to these terms, but upon returning to Austria, he attempted to assert Austrian sovereignty by announcing a plebiscite to let the Austrian people decide on independence.
Hitler, unwilling to risk a negative outcome in the plebiscite, decided to act swiftly. On March 11, 1938, Hitler issued an ultimatum to Schuschnigg to hand over power to the Austrian Nazis or face invasion. With no support from other European nations and no viable military defense, Schuschnigg resigned, and Arthur Seyss-Inquart, a pro-Nazi politician, was appointed Chancellor.
The Invasion and Proclamation
On March 12, 1938, German troops crossed the border into Austria without facing any resistance. The invasion was met with enthusiasm by many Austrians who welcomed the German soldiers. This event marked the formal annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany.
On March 13, 1938, a day after the invasion, the Anschluss was officially proclaimed. Austria ceased to exist as an independent nation and became a province of the German Reich. Hitler himself entered Vienna to a hero's welcome, and a plebiscite held on April 10, 1938, resulted in an overwhelming 99.7% approval for the annexation, although it is widely acknowledged that the vote was heavily manipulated.
International Reaction
The international community's response to the Anschluss was largely passive. Britain and France, both wary of another war and dealing with their own internal issues, chose a policy of appeasement. The League of Nations, already weakened by previous failures, was unable to take effective action.
The Soviet Union condemned the annexation but was not in a position to intervene. The United States, following a policy of isolationism, also refrained from taking any significant measures. This lack of international opposition emboldened Hitler and set a precedent for future territorial expansions.
Impact on Austrian Society
The annexation had profound and devastating effects on Austrian society. While some Austrians welcomed the unification with Germany, others faced severe persecution. Jews, political dissidents, and other minorities were targeted by the Nazi regime. The Nuremberg Laws, which stripped Jews of their rights, were swiftly implemented in Austria.
Many Austrians were coerced into supporting the Nazi regime, while others actively participated in its atrocities. The annexation also marked the beginning of Austria's involvement in World War II, as Austrian men were conscripted into the German military, and the nation's resources were mobilized for the war effort.
Post-War Reflection and Legacy
After the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945, Austria was re-established as an independent republic. The period of the Anschluss became a subject of intense reflection and debate. The narrative of Austria as the "first victim" of Nazi aggression was promoted by the Austrian government and became a central theme in post-war Austrian identity.
However, this narrative has been challenged by historians who emphasize the active participation and complicity of many Austrians in the Nazi regime. The process of coming to terms with this dark chapter in history has been ongoing, with efforts to acknowledge and commemorate the victims of Nazi persecution.
The annexation of Austria by Germany in 1938 stands as a significant event in the history of both nations. It highlights the complex interplay of political ambitions, cultural identities, and international dynamics that shaped the course of the 20th century. The legacy of the Anschluss continues to resonate, offering lessons on the dangers of authoritarianism and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding democratic values.
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