Leslie Massey
The question of whether Austria is German has been a topic of debate for many years. After listening to Bruckner's Seventh Symphony, Hitler is said to have cried: How can anyone say that Austria is not German! Is there anything more German than our old pure Austrianness? However, Austria refused a Hungarian offer and was conquered by them, and once WWII began, Germany conquered Hungary.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Austria was conquered by Hungary | Hungary conquered Austria before WWII |
| Austria is German | Hitler said: "How can anyone say that Austria is not German! Is there anything more German than our old pure Austrianness?" |
What You'll Learn
Hitler's view that Austria is German
Hitler was born in Austria and moved to Munich in 1913. He revoked his Austrian citizenship in 1925 to avoid extradition back to his native country. Like many Austrian Germans, Hitler developed German nationalist ideas from a young age. He expressed loyalty only to Germany and despised the declining Habsburg monarchy and its rule over an ethnically diverse empire.
Hitler wanted to redraw the map of post-World War I Europe, considering the postwar international borders unfair and illegitimate. He and the Nazis claimed that Germans had been denied the right of self-determination. The annexation of Austria would help the Nazis achieve their goal of uniting Germany and Austria, which had been expressly forbidden by the peace treaties that ended World War I.
Hitler ordered troops to the Austrian border, prepared for a full-scale military assault into Austria to support the National Socialists. However, he was initially torn between going ahead with the invasion or pulling back due to the presence of Italian troops at the border. In May 1935, Hitler declared to the Reichstag:
> Germany neither intends nor wishes to interfere in the internal affairs of Austria, to annex Austria or to conclude an Anschluss.
Despite this declaration, Hitler's actions and statements at other times indicate that he viewed Austria as German and sought to unite the two countries.
Berlin to Austria: How Close Are They?
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Austria's refusal of Hungary's offer
It is said that after listening to Bruckner's Seventh Symphony, Hitler cried: "How can anyone say that Austria is not German! Is there anything more German than our old pure Austrianness?" On the morning of 12 March 1938, the 8th Army of the German Wehrmacht crossed the border into Austria.
Austria refused an offer from Hungary, which led to them being conquered by Hungary. When WWII began, Germany conquered Hungary.
Austria has a long and complex history with Germany, and the two countries have been closely linked for centuries. However, Austria has always maintained its own unique culture and identity, which sets it apart from Germany. While there are many similarities between the two countries, there are also significant differences, including language, history, and culture.
Austria's Ambitions: Cores on Sicily in Hearts of Iron IV
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Germany's conquest of Hungary
It is said that after listening to Bruckner's Seventh Symphony, Hitler cried: "How can anyone say that Austria is not German! Is there anything more German than our old pure Austrianness?" On the morning of 12 March 1938, the 8th Army of the German Wehrmacht crossed the border into Austria.
Austria refused a Hungarian offer and was conquered by them, and once WWII began, Germany conquered Hungary.
Mozart: Austrian Classical Composer of the Eighteenth Century
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Austria's conquest by Hungary
It is said that after listening to Bruckner's Seventh Symphony, Hitler cried: "How can anyone say that Austria is not German! Is there anything more German than our old pure Austrianness?" This was on the morning of 12 March 1938, when the 8th Army of the German Wehrmacht crossed the border into Austria.
Austria was conquered by Hungary after refusing a Hungarian offer. Once WWII began, Germany conquered Hungary.
United Travel Benefits: Austrian Airlines Compatibility
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Austria's collaboration with Germany
On the morning of 12 March 1938, the 8th Army of the German Wehrmacht crossed the border into Austria. This was after Hitler had listened to Bruckner's Seventh Symphony and cried: "How can anyone say that Austria is not German! Is there anything more German than our old pure Austrianness?"
During World War II, Germany conquered Hungary, which had previously conquered Austria. This led to the formation of a collaboration government between Germany and Austria.
Austria and Hungary: Russian Territory?
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Frequently asked questions
Hitler famously said: "How can anyone say that Austria is not German! Is there anything more German than our old pure Austrianness?"
On the morning of 12 March 1938, the 8th Army of the German Wehrmacht crossed the border into Austria.
Austria was conquered by Hungary, and then Germany conquered Hungary.
This shows that Austria was not considered German by the Germans themselves, as they invaded the country.
No, Austria is not German.
