Lexi Webster
Germany's annexation of Austria in March 1938, known as the Anschluss, was the culmination of years of Austrian dissatisfaction with the Treaty of Saint Germain and international instability. The US, along with other nations, objected to the annexation. The American response to Germany's actions caused great concern in Washington and compelled the United States to criticise Germany's increasing lawlessness and formulate a foreign policy to respond more forcefully to Hitler's aggressive expansionism.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Annexation | 12 March 1938 |
| US President at the time | Franklin D. Roosevelt |
| US Reaction | Criticism of German lawlessness, formulation of foreign policy to respond more forcefully to Hitler's aggressive foreign policy, establishment of an international organization to aid Austrian refugees |
| US Policy Changes | Support for rearmament, willingness to cooperate with governments opposing blatant violators of treaties and human rights |
| US-Germany Relations | Increased tension due to refusal to sell helium to Germany |
| US Public Opinion | Strongly anti-German |
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What You'll Learn
The US criticized Germany's lawlessness
The annexation of Austria by Germany, known as the Anschluss, was a significant event that drew worldwide attention and protest. The United States, already facing numerous domestic problems, was compelled to respond to this act of aggression by Nazi Germany.
The US response to the Anschluss was influenced by the domestic challenges it faced at the time. President Roosevelt, a pragmatic politician, knew that isolationists within the country would not support a rift with Germany. Additionally, the weak American economy dictated the need for normal economic relations with Germany. Despite these considerations, the Anschluss aided the passage of Roosevelt's naval rearmament program, and he established an international organization to assist Austrian refugees.
The US reaction to the annexation of Austria was also shaped by the complex history of Austrian-German relations. The idea of a united Austria and Germany, or "Greater Germany," had existed since the unification of Germany in 1871, which excluded Austria. This sentiment gained support after the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918, and the subsequent peace treaties that expressly forbade a union between the two countries. Hitler's rise to power in Germany and his expansionist policies, as outlined in "Mein Kampf," further fueled the push for annexation.
The US criticism of Germany's lawlessness was not an isolated incident but part of a broader shift in American foreign policy. The US had to balance its response to Germany's actions with its domestic constraints and the complexities of international relations. The annexation of Austria by Germany was a pivotal moment that contributed to increasing tensions between the two countries and influenced the direction of US policy in the lead-up to World War II.
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The US did not desire a rift with Germany
The US was not alone in its objection to the annexation of Austria. The British Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain, spoke about the "Austrian situation" in the House of Commons, noting that the British ambassador in Berlin objected to the use of "coercion, backed by force" that undermined Austria's independence. The German government's actions caused great concern in Washington, and the American reaction was significant. The annexation aided the passage of Roosevelt's naval rearmament program, and the President established an international organization responsible for Austrian refugees in the aftermath of the Austro-German Union.
The US Congress remained strongly isolationist, but the public began to take notice of Germany's aggressive expansionism, and the press declared itself overwhelmingly anti-German. The US high court revived a case around a Nazi-looted impressionist painting in a Spanish museum, and demonstrators across 50 states unified in opposition to Trump and his sweeping agenda. The US also objected to the Munich Agreement, Neville Chamberlain's direct intervention to secure Czech acceptance of Hitler's ultimatum for the cession of the Sudetenland to Germany.
The annexation of Austria was the culmination of almost twenty years of Austrian dissatisfaction with the Treaty of Saint Germain, the lack of consistent political and economic support by the western democracies, and the international instability of the 1930s. All these factors worked in favor of pro-Anschluss Germans and Austrians and to the handicap of the allies. Once Adolf Hitler came to power, he drastically changed German policy toward Austria, abandoning an evolutionary revision of Austria's political status to one of radical expansionism and annexation. The annexation of Austria was the first act of territorial aggression committed by Nazi Germany, and it demonstrated Nazi disdain for the post-World War I European order.
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The US established an organisation for Austrian refugees
On 12 March 1938, Germany annexed Austria, an action known as the Anschluss, which means "joining" or "connection" in German. This was the culmination of almost two decades of Austrian dissatisfaction with the Treaty of Saint Germain, a lack of consistent support from Western democracies, and international instability. The annexation was also a result of Hitler's desire to redraw the map of post-World War I Europe, as he considered the postwar international borders unfair and illegitimate.
The Anschluss caused great concern in Washington, and while it did not lead to a sudden shift in US foreign policy, it did shape and influence it. The US established an international organisation to aid Austrian refugees in the aftermath of the Austro-German Union. This organisation helped to resettle refugees and supported them in building new lives in communities across the United States. Additionally, the US criticised Germany's increasing lawlessness and formulated a foreign policy to respond more forcefully to Hitler's aggressive expansionism. Secretary of State Hull stated that America opposed international lawlessness and blind isolationism, supported rearmament, and was ready to cooperate with governments opposing blatant violators of treaties and human rights.
The University of Vienna also offers initiatives to help refugees and asylum seekers integrate into Austrian society. Their program, OLIVE, helps newcomers connect their previous academic and professional experience to their new lives in Europe. Another organisation, Refugees for Refugees (R4R), creates events and activities to bring refugees together through sports and culture, such as museum visits.
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The US Congress remained isolationist
The annexation of Austria by Germany in 1938, known as the Anschluss, was a significant event that drew worldwide attention and protest. The United States, already facing numerous domestic problems, responded with concern to Germany's aggressive expansionism. While the US Congress remained strongly isolationist, the American government's reaction to the annexation was still significant.
The US Congress's isolationist stance during this period is well-documented. Even as Germany's actions caused worry in Washington, Congress maintained its opposition to American involvement in European affairs. This position was influenced by the weak American economy at the time, which made the State Department hesitant to disrupt normal economic relations with Germany.
However, it is important to note that the annexation did shape American foreign policy. The US criticised Germany's increasing lawlessness and formulated a more forceful response to Hitler's aggressive expansionism. Secretary of State Hull's address at the National Press Club exemplified this shift, stating America's opposition to "international lawlessness and blind isolationism" and its support for rearmament.
Despite the isolationist sentiment in Congress, public opinion in the US began to turn against Germany. The press declared itself overwhelmingly anti-German, and the American government took steps to assist Austrian refugees following the annexation. Additionally, the annexation aided the passage of Roosevelt's naval rearmament program, demonstrating a complex interplay between isolationism and a growing recognition of the need to counter German aggression.
In summary, while the US Congress maintained its isolationist stance, the annexation of Austria by Germany had a notable impact on American foreign policy and public opinion. The US government's response, though constrained by domestic issues and economic considerations, contributed to a changing attitude towards isolationism and a growing concern over Hitler's expansionist agenda.
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The US public opinion turned anti-German
The annexation of Austria by Germany in 1938, known as the Anschluss, was a significant event that drew worldwide attention and protest. The United States, already facing several domestic problems, was compelled to respond to this act of German aggression. While the annexation did not lead to an immediate sudden shift in US foreign policy, it did shape and influence it. The US government's reaction to the annexation was pragmatic, given the weak American economy and the desire to maintain normal economic relations with Germany. However, the American public's opinion began to turn against Germany, setting the stage for a more assertive US stance towards Hitler's regime.
The US public's initial response to the annexation was mixed. Some Americans, particularly those with German or Austrian heritage, may have supported the idea of a united Germany and Austria, as advocated by the Nazis. However, as information and news about the true nature of the annexation spread, public sentiment shifted. The US media played a crucial role in shaping public opinion, with the press declaring itself overwhelmingly anti-German. The American people became increasingly aware of Germany's aggressive expansionism and the threat it posed to European stability and peace.
The US government, led by President Roosevelt, did not want an unnecessary rift with Germany over the annexation of Austria. Roosevelt walked a delicate tightrope, balancing domestic challenges and economic concerns while also responding to Germany's actions. He established an international organisation to assist Austrian refugees displaced by the Austro-German union, demonstrating American compassion and humanitarianism. At the same time, Roosevelt's administration took steps towards rearmament, recognising the need to strengthen US defences in light of German aggression.
The US public's growing anti-German sentiment was fuelled by several factors. Firstly, the annexation of Austria was just one in a series of aggressive moves by Nazi Germany, including their territorial expansion and violation of international treaties. The American people witnessed Hitler's blatant disregard for diplomacy and his pursuit of a dominant, unified Germany. Secondly, the US media played a pivotal role in shaping public opinion by providing coverage and analysis of the events unfolding in Europe. The press highlighted Germany's lawlessness and human rights violations, influencing Americans to view Nazi Germany as a threat to global stability.
Additionally, the US public's anti-German sentiment was influenced by the actions of the Nazis towards specific groups, such as the Jews. The annexation of Austria led to an outburst of public violence against Austrian Jews, which did not go unnoticed by the American people. The Nazis' racist ideology and persecution of minorities clashed with American values of freedom and equality, further contributing to the negative perception of Nazi Germany among the US populace.
In conclusion, the US public opinion turning anti-German after Germany's annexation of Austria was a complex process influenced by various factors. The American people witnessed Nazi Germany's expansionist agenda, violation of international laws, and persecution of minorities. The US media played a crucial role in shaping public sentiment, and the government responded pragmatically, balancing economic concerns with the need to address German aggression. This shift in public opinion set the stage for a more assertive US policy towards Nazi Germany and laid the groundwork for America's eventual entry into World War II.
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Frequently asked questions
The US was one of the nations that objected to Germany's annexation of Austria. The US criticised Germany's increasing lawlessness and formulated a foreign policy to respond more forcefully to Hitler's aggressive foreign policy. Secretary of the Interior Harold Ickes refused to sell helium to Germany, causing increased tension between the two countries.
The British Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain, spoke about the "Austrian situation" in the House of Commons. He noted that the British ambassador in Berlin objected to the use of "coercion, backed by force" that undermined Austria's independence. Chamberlain also acknowledged that nothing could have prevented the annexation unless the country and other nations had been prepared to use force.
Austrian Chancellor Kurt von Schuschnigg attempted to resist German annexation by calling a plebiscite (referendum) on Austrian independence. However, he was pressured by Hitler to cancel the plebiscite and resigned, ordering the Austrian Army not to resist the Germans. On April 10, 1938, Austrians voted on whether they supported the annexation, with 99.75% voting in favour.
The annexation of Austria was Germany's first act of territorial aggression and expansion, and it drew worldwide attention and protest. The Allied Powers at the end of World War II declared the annexation void and re-established an independent Austria.
