The Annexation of Austria By Noah Brummer A “Greater Germany” would be created by the union of Austria and Germany, birthing an economic powerhouse that would thrive in the arms race against England and France. This idea was proposed by Adolf Hitler, leader of the Nazi party, to the German Navy Commander, Army Commander, Foreign Minister and War Minister. The idea was incredibly popular among Nazi supporters and non-Nazis in both Germany and Austria alike. Hitler had set goals for uniting the two countries long before the plan came into play, and once said “people of the same blood should be in the same Reich”. On November 5th, 1937, Hitler gathered with the German Commanders and proposed his idea. This was the first serious meeting about the “Anschluss”, or Annexation of Austria. During this time Austria was in a struggle of its own, with nearly 80% of the population being pro-Anschluss, but the government was against the Nazi party. In February of 1938 Hitler met with Kurt Schuschnigg, Chancellor of the Federal State of Austria, with a list of demands that would end with the union of the two countries. Among Hitler’s demands to Austria to complete the Anschluss, was for the Austrian government to appoint pro-Nazi officials to high places in the government, including putting Arthur Seyss-Inquart to Minister of Public Security, putting the control of the Austrian Police Force in the hands of a Nazi sympathizer. On March 9th, 1938, Austria declared that the decision of the Anschluss would go to public vote, but the voting age was set to 24, excluding a large portion of pro-Nazis who were generally younger than the new voting age. With an Austrian vote of independence on the horizon, Hitler declared that Germany would not accept the outcome of the election. Hitler set an ultimatum, either turn all government power over the Germany or face a massive invasion by the German army. Hours before the ultimatum the Chancellor Miklas resigned, turning the government over the Hitler’s appointees. On the morning of March 12th, 1938, the German army marched into Austria to the cheers and Nazi salutes from the Austrian citizens, with no interference from the Austrian forces. Hitler rode into his birth country on a victory tour that climaxed in Vienna, Austria, on March 15th where he addressed 200,000 German Austrians declaring victory for Germany. |
“Germany Annexes Austria.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, www.history.com/this-day-in-history/germany-annexes-austria.
Chen, C. Peter. “Annexation of Austria.” WW2DB, ww2db.com/battle_spec.php?battle_id=86.