Germany's Invasion Of Austria: How Did It Happen?

On 12 March 1938, German troops crossed the border into Austria. The invasion, which was dubbed the Blumenkrieg (Flower War) because of the cheering Austrians who greeted the troops with Nazi salutes, Nazi flags, and flowers, was the first big test of the German Wehrmacht's machinery. The German invasion was ordered by Hitler, who had sent an ultimatum to Austrian Chancellor Kurt von Schuschnigg, demanding that he hand over all power to the Austrian Nazis or face an invasion.

Hitler's ultimatum to Austrian Chancellor Kurt von Schuschnigg

On 12 February 1938, Austrian Chancellor Kurt von Schuschnigg met with Hitler at his Berghof residence in an attempt to improve relations between their two countries. However, Hitler surprised Schuschnigg with a set of demands that amounted to an ultimatum: he was to hand over power to the Austrian Nazis.

In the face of rioting by the Austrian Nazi Party and ever-expanding German demands on Austria, Schuschnigg called a referendum on the issue, to be held on 13 March. Infuriated, Hitler responded by threatening to invade Austria and demanding Schuschnigg's resignation. He also insisted that the Nazi Arthur Seyss-Inquart be appointed as his replacement. Hitler's plan was for Seyss-Inquart to call for German troops to rush to Austria's aid, restoring order and giving the invasion an air of legitimacy.

Faced with this threat, Schuschnigg informed Seyss-Inquart that the plebiscite would be cancelled. He desperately sought support for Austrian independence in the hours following the ultimatum, but neither France nor Britain was willing to offer assistance. Schuschnigg resigned on the evening of 11 March, but President Wilhelm Miklas refused to appoint Seyss-Inquart as Chancellor.

German troops greeted by cheering Austrians

On the morning of 12 March 1938, the 8th Army of the German Wehrmacht crossed the border into Austria. The troops were greeted by cheering Austrians with Nazi salutes, Nazi flags, and flowers. The "invasion" without shots fired was therefore dubbed the Blumenkrieg ("Flower War"). For the Wehrmacht, the invasion was the first big test of its machinery. Although the invading forces were badly organised and coordination among the units was poor, it mattered little because the Austrian government had ordered the Austrian Bundesheer not to resist.

Hitler had sent an ultimatum to Austrian Chancellor Kurt von Schuschnigg on 11 March, demanding that he hand over all power to the Austrian Nazis or face an invasion. The ultimatum was set to expire at noon, but was extended by two hours. Without waiting for an answer, Hitler had already signed the order to send troops into Austria at one o'clock. Hitler wanted to prevent a plebiscite on Austrian independence, which was planned for 13 March, from going ahead. Schuschnigg gave in to Hitler's demands, cancelled the plebiscite, and resigned. He instructed Austrians and the Austrian military not to resist German troops if they invaded.

Hitler crossed the border at his birthplace, Braunau am Inn, with a 4,000-man bodyguard.

Hitler's bodyguard

On 12 March 1938, Hitler invaded Austria to prevent a vote on Austrian independence. The German troops were greeted by cheering Austrians with Nazi salutes, Nazi flags, and flowers. The invasion was therefore dubbed the Blumenkrieg ("Flower War"). Hitler crossed the border at his birthplace, Braunau am Inn, with a 4,000-man bodyguard.

The FSK was led by Hitler's long-time companion, Julius Schreck, who was also the founder of the Nazi Party's protection squad, the Schutzstaffel (SS). Schreck was a loyal and trusted member of Hitler's inner circle, and he played a key role in ensuring the Führer's safety. He was known for his dedication to his work and his unwavering commitment to Hitler's cause.

One of the most famous members of the FSK was Johann Rattenhuber, who joined the group in 1935. Rattenhuber was a former police officer who had served in the German army during World War I. He quickly rose through the ranks of the FSK and became one of Hitler's most trusted bodyguards. He was known for his skill with firearms and his ability to remain calm under pressure.

Austrian Chancellor Schuschnigg's resignation

On 11 March 1938, Austrian Chancellor Kurt von Schuschnigg became aware that Hitler was planning to invade Austria. The invasion was intended to prevent a plebiscite on Austrian independence, which Schuschnigg had called for 12 March. That afternoon, Schuschnigg cancelled the plebiscite and offered his resignation to avoid bloodshed.

Hitler had sent an ultimatum to Schuschnigg, demanding that he hand over all power to the Austrian Nazis or face an invasion. The ultimatum was set to expire at noon, but was extended by two hours. Without waiting for an answer, Hitler had already signed the order to send troops into Austria at one o'clock.

That evening, Schuschnigg gave a radio address that was broadcast throughout Austria. He announced his resignation in the face of German pressure, and instructed Austrians and the Austrian military not to resist German troops if they invaded. He was unwilling to fight a war or spill blood for Austrian independence.

On the morning of 12 March, the 8th Army of the German Wehrmacht crossed the border into Austria. The troops were greeted by cheering Austrians with Nazi salutes, Nazi flags, and flowers. The "invasion" without shots fired was therefore dubbed the Blumenkrieg ("Flower War"). Hitler, riding in a car, crossed the border at his birthplace, Braunau am Inn, with a 4,000-man bodyguard.

German military's threat to invade Austria

On 11 March 1938, Hitler sent an ultimatum to Austrian Chancellor Kurt von Schuschnigg, demanding that he hand over all power to the Austrian Nazis or face an invasion. The ultimatum was set to expire at noon, but was extended by two hours. Hitler had already signed the order to send troops into Austria at one o'clock.

Hitler's threat was in response to Schuschnigg's plan to hold a plebiscite on Austrian independence. Hitler was determined to prevent the vote from taking place, as he believed it would demonstrate how little support National Socialism had in Austria.

Fearing bloodshed, Schuschnigg cancelled the plebiscite and offered to resign. That evening, he gave a radio address announcing his resignation and instructing Austrians and the Austrian military not to resist German troops if they invaded.

On the morning of 12 March 1938, the 8th Army of the German Wehrmacht crossed the border into Austria. The troops were greeted by cheering Austrians with Nazi salutes, Nazi flags, and flowers. The "invasion" without shots fired was therefore dubbed the Blumenkrieg ("Flower War"). Hitler, riding in a car, crossed the border at his birthplace, Braunau am Inn, with a 4,000-man bodyguard.

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