Omari Gates
In early 1938, Austrian chancellor Kurt Schuschnigg announced a referendum on a possible union with Germany versus maintaining Austrian sovereignty. Hitler responded by mobilising the 8th Army for a planned invasion of Austria, threatening Schuschnigg with an ultimatum and demanding his resignation. The German Army crossed the Austrian border on 12 March, unopposed by the Austrian military.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of invasion | 12 March 1938 |
| Reason for invasion | Hitler wanted to prevent a referendum on Austrian independence |
| Austrian response | Chancellor Kurt Schuschnigg cancelled the referendum and offered to resign |
| German demands | Hitler demanded Schuschnigg's resignation and the appointment of an Austrian Nazi as chancellor |
| German army | The German army crossed the Austrian border unopposed |
What You'll Learn
Hitler's threat to invade Austria
Hitler ordered troops to the Austrian border, prepared for a full-scale military assault into Austria to support the National Socialists. Fascist Italy was more closely tied to the regime in Vienna and sent troops to the Austrian border at Brenner to deter German troops from a possible invasion of Austria. Hitler was initially unsure whether to go ahead with the invasion, as he realised that the German Army was not prepared to take on both the Austrians and the Italian Army.
Hitler demanded the postponement or abandonment of the referendum and Schuschnigg's resignation. He also demanded the appointment of Arthur Seyss-Inquart, a member of the Austrian Nazi Party, as the nation's next chancellor. In the face of this threat, Schuschnigg informed Seyss-Inquart that the plebiscite would be cancelled. The German Army crossed the border into Austria on 12 March, unopposed by the Austrian military. A plebiscite was held on 10 April, in which the ballot was not secret, and threats and coercion were employed to manipulate the vote, resulting in 99.7% approval for the Anschluss.
France's Declaration of War on Austria: The Historical Context
You may want to see also
Austria's response to the threat
In the face of Hitler's threat to invade Austria, Chancellor Kurt Schuschnigg called a referendum on the issue of unification with Germany or maintaining Austrian sovereignty. This was to be held on 13 March 1938. Hitler responded by threatening to invade and demanding Schuschnigg's resignation.
Hitler ordered troops to the Austrian border, prepared for a full-scale military assault. Fascist Italy sent troops to the Austrian border at Brenner to deter German troops from invading Austria. Hitler was initially unsure whether to go ahead with the invasion, aware that the German Army was not prepared to take on both the Austrians and the Italian Army.
Fearing bloodshed, Schuschnigg cancelled the plebiscite and offered to resign. He informed Arthur Seyss-Inquart, a member of the Austrian Nazi Party, that the plebiscite would be cancelled. Hitler demanded that Seyss-Inquart be appointed as the next chancellor.
On 12 March 1938, the German Army crossed the border into Austria, unopposed by the Austrian military. A plebiscite was held on 10 April, resulting in 99.7% approval for the Anschluss.
The Land Between Poland and Austria
You may want to see also
The German Army crosses the border
On 9 March 1938, Austrian chancellor Kurt Schuschnigg announced that there would be a referendum on a possible union with Germany versus maintaining Austria's sovereignty. The vote was to be held on 13 March. In response, Hitler threatened an invasion and secretly pressured Schuschnigg to resign. On 11 March, Hitler mobilised the 8th Army for the planned invasion.
Hitler's plan was for the Austrian Nazi Arthur Seyss-Inquart to be appointed chancellor and to call for German troops to rush to Austria's aid, restoring order and giving the invasion an air of legitimacy. The next day, 12 March, the German Army crossed the border into Austria, unopposed by the Austrian military.
Hitler's invasion of Austria was supported by the National Socialists. Fascist Italy, which was more closely tied to the regime in Vienna, sent troops to the Austrian border at Brenner to deter German troops from a possible invasion of Austria. Hitler was initially unsure about going ahead with the invasion, knowing that the German Army was not prepared to take on both the Austrians and the Italian Army. However, he decided to invade immediately to prevent the vote from taking place.
Glock's Austrian Exclusivity: Davidson's Edition
You may want to see also
The plebiscite
On 9 March 1938, Austrian Chancellor Kurt Schuschnigg announced that there would be a plebiscite, or national vote, on the issue of Austrian independence. The plebiscite was scheduled for Sunday, 13 March. Schuschnigg's aim was to allow Austrians to decide for themselves whether they wished their nation to remain independent or become part of the Third Reich.
Hitler responded to the news of the plebiscite by threatening to invade Austria and demanding Schuschnigg's resignation. By Friday, 11 March, Schuschnigg was aware of the coming invasion and, to avoid bloodshed, he cancelled the plebiscite and offered to resign.
Hitler's plan was for Schuschnigg to be replaced by the Austrian Nazi Arthur Seyss-Inquart, who would then call for German troops to rush to Austria's aid, restoring order and giving the invasion an air of legitimacy.
Despite the cancellation of the plebiscite, the German Army crossed the border into Austria on 12 March, unopposed by the Austrian military. A plebiscite was eventually held on 10 April, in which the ballot was not secret, and threats and coercion were employed to manipulate the vote, resulting in 99.7% approval for the Anschluss.
Austria's VAT Number System: How Does It Work?
You may want to see also
The Anschluss
In early 1938, Austrian chancellor Kurt Schuschnigg announced that there would be a referendum on a possible union with Germany versus maintaining Austria's sovereignty, to be held on 13 March. Schuschnigg was attempting to maintain Austrian national integrity despite steadily increasing German influence.
Hitler responded by mobilising the 8th Army for the planned invasion. Hitler's plan was for Arthur Seyss-Inquart, a member of the Austrian Nazi Party, to be appointed chancellor. He would then call for German troops to rush to Austria's aid, restoring order and giving the invasion an air of legitimacy.
On 11 March, Hitler threatened an invasion of Austria and demanded Schuschnigg's resignation. Schuschnigg informed Seyss-Inquart that the plebiscite would be cancelled. The following day, the German Army crossed the border into Austria, unopposed by the Austrian military.
A plebiscite was held on 10 April, in which the ballot was not secret, and threats and coercion were employed to manipulate the vote, resulting in 99.7% approval for the Anschluss.
Where to Watch France vs Austria Live
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Hitler mobilised the 8th Army for a planned invasion of Austria, threatening to invade if a referendum on Austrian independence went ahead.
Chancellor Kurt Schuschnigg cancelled the referendum and offered to resign to avoid bloodshed.
Hitler demanded that the president of Austria, Wilhelm Miklas, appoint an Austrian member of the Nazi Party, Arthur Seyss-Inquart, as the nation's next chancellor.
Yes, the German army crossed the Austrian border on 12 March 1938, unopposed by the Austrian military.
A plebiscite was held on 10 April 1938, but the ballot was not secret and threats and coercion were used to manipulate the vote, resulting in 99.7% approval for unification.
