Anschluss

Definition

Anschluss refers to the annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany in March 1938. This event marked a significant step in Adolf Hitler's expansionist policies, as it was a direct violation of the Treaty of Versailles and aimed to unite all German-speaking peoples under one nation. The incorporation of Austria not only strengthened Germany militarily and economically but also set a precedent for further aggressive actions that ultimately contributed to the outbreak of World War II.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Anschluss was executed with little resistance, as many Austrians welcomed the Nazis due to economic hardship and nationalist sentiments.
2. Following the Anschluss, Austria became a province of Nazi Germany and was subjected to its repressive policies and anti-Semitic laws.
3. The international response to the Anschluss was largely passive, with Britain and France failing to take decisive action against Hitler's aggression.
4. This event was part of Hitler's broader strategy to consolidate power and control over all German-speaking regions in Europe.
5. The successful annexation of Austria emboldened Hitler, leading directly to further territorial demands in Europe, including the Sudetenland.

Review Questions

• How did the Anschluss serve as a catalyst for further German aggression in Europe?
  • The Anschluss not only allowed Hitler to unify Austria with Germany but also served as a bold statement that he could act without fear of repercussion from other nations. By successfully annexing Austria with minimal resistance, Hitler gained confidence and momentum for further territorial expansion. This event highlighted the failures of appeasement and set the stage for future invasions, most notably Czechoslovakia and eventually Poland, leading directly to the outbreak of World War II.
• Evaluate the significance of international responses to the Anschluss and how it reflected broader attitudes towards Nazi Germany at that time.
  • The lack of a strong international response to the Anschluss indicated a troubling complacency among European powers towards Nazi aggression. Britain and France’s failure to intervene demonstrated their commitment to appeasement, believing that satisfying Hitler's demands might prevent another war. This complacency not only emboldened Hitler but also signaled to him that his aggressive policies could proceed without significant consequences, paving the way for further invasions across Europe.
• Analyze how the events surrounding the Anschluss foreshadowed the larger conflicts that would emerge during World War II.
  • The Anschluss foreshadowed larger conflicts by showcasing how unchecked aggression could lead to widespread territorial expansion and military buildup by Nazi Germany. It illustrated the effectiveness of Hitler's strategies for unifying German-speaking populations while simultaneously violating international agreements like the Treaty of Versailles. The subsequent escalation of tensions following the Anschluss laid critical groundwork for events like the invasion of Poland in 1939, which ultimately triggered World War II. This pattern of aggression coupled with weak responses from other nations highlighted a dangerous precedent that would result in global conflict.

Related terms

Treaty of Versailles:

The peace treaty that officially ended World War I, imposing heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany, which created resentment and set the stage for future conflicts.

Lebensraum: A German term meaning 'living space,' which was a key concept in Nazi ideology advocating for the expansion of German territories to provide room for the growing population.

Munich Agreement:

A settlement reached in September 1938 allowing Nazi Germany to annex parts of Czechoslovakia, demonstrating the policy of appeasement by Britain and France towards Hitler's territorial ambitions.