Germany's Influence: Encouraging Austria's Actions

Germany encouraged Austria to declare war on Serbia by giving them a 'blank check' or a promise of unconditional support no matter what the cost. This was in response to Serbia's failure to meet the terms of an ultimatum sent by Austria-Hungary. The enthusiasm displayed towards Hitler and the Germans surprised both Nazis and non-Nazis, as it was believed that most Austrians opposed Anschluss. However, many Germans from both Austria and Germany welcomed the unification of all Germans into one state.

Germany gave Austria a blank check of unconditional support

Austria sent Serbia an ultimatum that they knew Serbian leaders would refuse to honour. This was done to provoke war. Germany encouraged Austria to do this, and in turn, France supported its ally Russia, who stood by Serbia.

Germany also encouraged Austrian Nazis to wage a propaganda and terror campaign, which was funded by Germany. This was done to support the unification of all Germans into one state.

Germany encouraged Austria-Hungary to punish Serbia and quash Serbian nationalism

Austria-Hungary's declaration of war on Serbia stirred up old tensions and anxieties across the continent, drawing in supporters and allies on both sides. When Russia came in to back the Serbs in defence of a fellow Slavic nation, Germany, in support of its ally, then declared war on Russia, bringing France into the war on Russia's side.

The encouragement of Austria-Hungary by Germany was part of a wider pattern of alliances drawing more and more countries into what began as a regional conflict.

Germany supported Austria's declaration of war on Serbia

Germany's support for Austria's actions can be seen as part of a larger pattern of encouraging Austrian aggression. For example, beginning in May 1933, the Austrian Nazis waged a propaganda and terror campaign that was encouraged and funded by Germany. Additionally, many Germans from both Austria and Germany welcomed the Anschluss, or unification of Austria and Germany, as completing the long-overdue unification of all Germans into one state.

Germany funded and encouraged Austrian Nazis to wage a propaganda and terror campaign

Germany's encouragement of Austria's actions was also seen in the context of the Anschluss. The enthusiasm displayed toward Hitler and the Germans surprised both Nazis and non-Nazis, as most people had believed that a majority of Austrians opposed Anschluss. Many Germans from both Austria and Germany welcomed the Anschluss as they saw it as completing the complex and long-overdue unification of all Germans into one state.

Germany supported Austria's annexation of Austria into the Reich

Austria sent Serbia an ultimatum that they knew Serbian leaders would refuse to honour. This was a sweeping ultimatum that Serbia was unable to meet, and so Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. This stirred up old tensions across the continent, drawing in supporters and allies on both sides.

Russia came to back the Serbs in defence of a fellow Slavic nation, and France in turn stood by its ally Russia. Germany, in support of its ally, then declared war on Russia, bringing France into the war on Russia's side.

The enthusiasm displayed towards Hitler and the Germans surprised both Nazis and non-Nazis, as most people believed that a majority of Austrians opposed the unification of Austria and Germany. Many Germans from both Austria and Germany welcomed the unification as they saw it as completing the long-overdue unification of all Germans into one state.

Frequently asked questions