Anschluss of Austria by Germany

Definition

The Anschluss of Austria by Germany refers to the annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany in March 1938. This event was marked by a combination of political pressure, economic instability, and a strong nationalist sentiment among Austrians who desired unification with Germany. The Anschluss signified a critical step in Adolf Hitler's expansionist agenda, reflecting broader themes of nationalism and the aggressive policies that characterized Europe during the interwar period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Anschluss was largely welcomed by the Austrian population, with many seeing it as a reunification with their German-speaking neighbors.
2. The event violated the Treaty of Versailles and the Treaty of St. Germain, both of which had prohibited unification between Germany and Austria.
3. Following the Anschluss, Austria was integrated into the Third Reich and subjected to Nazi laws and policies, including anti-Jewish measures.
4. The annexation significantly boosted Hitler's popularity within Germany and provided a strategic advantage as it expanded German territory.
5. The international response was largely passive, with major powers like Britain and France opting for appeasement rather than confrontation at this stage.

Review Questions

• How did nationalist sentiment contribute to the public reception of the Anschluss in Austria?
  • Nationalist sentiment played a crucial role in how Austrians received the Anschluss. Many Austrians shared a cultural and linguistic bond with Germans, leading to a strong desire for unification. This sense of nationalism made the annexation appear as a fulfillment of their aspirations for a Greater Germany. The Nazi regime capitalized on these feelings, portraying the Anschluss as a historical correction that would restore unity among German-speaking peoples.
• Analyze how the Anschluss challenged international treaties established after World War I.
  • The Anschluss directly contravened multiple international treaties, particularly the Treaty of Versailles and the Treaty of St. Germain. These treaties explicitly prohibited any form of union between Austria and Germany to ensure stability in post-war Europe. The violation highlighted the ineffectiveness of these treaties in curbing aggressive nationalist movements and demonstrated how weakened powers like France and Britain were unwilling or unable to respond decisively to such acts of aggression. This pattern set a precedent for future violations by Hitler.
• Evaluate the impact of the Anschluss on Hitler's foreign policy objectives and its implications for Europe leading up to World War II.
  • The Anschluss served as a significant milestone in Hitler's foreign policy objectives, showcasing his willingness to use both diplomatic pressure and military threats to achieve territorial expansion. It not only solidified his domestic support but also emboldened him to pursue further aggressive actions against other nations, such as Czechoslovakia. The lack of significant resistance from other European powers during this annexation illustrated the policy of appeasement that characterized international relations at the time, ultimately contributing to an environment that led to World War II.

Related terms

Lebensraum: The concept of 'living space' that was central to Nazi ideology, advocating for the expansion of German territory to provide land for the growing German population.

Nazi Party: A far-right political party in Germany led by Adolf Hitler that rose to power in the 1930s, promoting extreme nationalism, anti-Semitism, and militarism.

Munich Agreement: A settlement reached in September 1938 that allowed Nazi Germany to annex parts of Czechoslovakia, reflecting the policy of appeasement adopted by Britain and France towards Hitler's expansionist aims.