Ruqayyah Snyder
Austria was annexed by Nazi Germany in 1938, with the support of the majority of the Austrian population. This annexation, known as the Anschluss, was a significant event in the lead-up to World War II. Austrian chancellor Kurt Schuschnigg attempted to maintain Austrian independence and called for a plebiscite to resolve the question of the Anschluss. However, under pressure from Hitler, he resigned on March 11, 1938, and Austrian forces were ordered not to resist the German advance. On March 12, 1938, Hitler entered Austria alongside German troops, who were greeted by enthusiastic crowds. Austria remained a part of Nazi Germany until the end of World War II, when the Allied powers declared the Anschluss void and reestablished an independent Austria.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of annexation by Nazi Germany | 12 March 1938 (Anschluss) |
| Date of independence from Nazi Germany | 27 April 1945 |
| Duration of annexation | 7 years, 1 month, 15 days |
| Reason for annexation | Hitler wanted to redraw the map of post-World War I Europe and unite all Germans in a Greater Germany |
| Austrian support for annexation | Overwhelming support from the Austrian population |
| Austrian opposition to annexation | Austrian socialists, Revolutionary Socialists, and Catholic protests |
| Attempts to maintain independence | Chancellor Kurt von Schuschnigg's plebiscite (referendum) on Austrian independence |
| Soviet Union's role | Occupied Austria after World War II and adhered to the Moscow Declaration of 1943, guaranteeing Austria's independence |
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What You'll Learn
Austria's annexation by Nazi Germany
In the 1930s, the idea of Austria joining Germany grew in popularity, fuelled by Nazi propaganda campaigns. The Austrian Nazi Party failed to win any seats in the November 1930 general election, but its popularity increased after Hitler came to power in Germany in 1933. The Nazi propaganda campaign used slogans such as "Ein Volk, ein Reich, ein Führer" ("One People, One Empire, One Leader") to advocate for an Anschluss with Germany.
Austrian Chancellor Kurt von Schuschnigg attempted to maintain Austria's independence. In February 1938, he met with Hitler, who pressured him to appoint several top Austrian Nazis to his cabinet. On March 9, Schuschnigg called a national referendum on the issue of the Anschluss, scheduled for March 13. However, before the referendum could take place, Schuschnigg gave in to pressure from Hitler and resigned on March 11, urging Austrian forces not to resist a German "advance" into the country.
On March 12, 1938, German troops entered Austria, where they were met by enthusiastic crowds. The next day, Hitler accompanied the troops into Austria and proclaimed the Anschluss, establishing a new Nazi government. Austria became a federal state of Germany and remained under Nazi control until the end of World War II.
The annexation of Austria was a significant act of Nazi aggression and a violation of the Treaty of Versailles and the Treaty of Saint-Germain, which expressly forbade the unification of Austria and Germany. The international acceptance of the Anschluss allowed Hitler to continue his expansionist policies unchecked.
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The Moscow Declaration of 1943
The Declaration of Four Nations on General Security affirmed the commitment of the United States, the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, and China to continue fighting against the Axis powers until they achieved an unconditional surrender. They also recognized the need to establish an international organization, the United Nations, based on the sovereign equality of all peace-loving states, to maintain international peace and security.
The Declaration on Italy stated that fascism and its influence in Italy should be eradicated, and that the Italian people should be empowered to establish democratic institutions and enjoy freedoms of speech, religion, political belief, press, and public meeting. It also called for the suppression of all fascist institutions and organizations.
The Declaration on Austria acknowledged that Austria was the first free country to fall victim to Hitlerite aggression and declared that the annexation (Anschluss) of Austria by Germany was null and void. It expressed the desire to re-establish a free and independent Austria, recognizing the responsibility of Austria for its participation in the war alongside Germany. Austria's contribution to its liberation would also be considered in the final settlement.
The Statement on Atrocities condemned the atrocities, massacres, and executions perpetrated by Hitlerite forces in occupied countries. It declared that German officers, soldiers, and members of the Nazi Party responsible for these acts would be sent back to the liberated countries to be judged and punished according to the laws of those countries.
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Austria's independence after WWII
Austria was annexed to Germany in 1938, with the support of the majority of Austrians. After the German defeat in World War II, the Allies declared the annexation void and reestablished an independent Austria.
In 1943, the Allies agreed in the Moscow Declaration that Austria would be regarded as the first victim of Nazi aggression and treated as a liberated and independent country after the war. The Soviet Union, the United States, Great Britain, and France divided Austria into four occupation zones, similar to Germany. The Soviet Union's occupation policies in Austria were shaped by the Moscow Declaration, which proclaimed that Austria was a victim of Germany but also bore responsibility for participating in Nazi aggression.
On April 20, 1945, the Soviets instructed Karl Renner, an Austrian socialist politician, to form a provisional government. Seven days later, Renner's cabinet took office, declaring Austria's independence from Nazi Germany and calling for the creation of a democratic state. On April 27, 1945, Austria was declared independent from Nazi Germany by the Allies (confirmed by the Berlin Declaration for Germany on June 5, 1945), as a result of the Vienna offensive. However, Austria remained under the joint occupation of the Western Allies and the Soviet Union until 1955.
Austria's status during the Cold War became a controversial subject, but after Austrian promises of perpetual neutrality, the country was granted full independence on May 15, 1955. The last occupation troops left on October 25, 1955, and Austria became the Second Austrian Republic.
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The Soviet occupation of Austria
Austria was annexed by Nazi Germany in 1938, with the support of the Austrian population. In 1941, Hitler's regime launched Operation Barbarossa, a genocidal war against the Soviet Union. This campaign was intended not only to eliminate the Soviet Union as a military threat but also to enslave and colonize its people. After nearly four years of brutal combat, Soviet troops approached Austria's border from Hungary in 1945. The Soviet occupation of Austria began when the 3rd Ukrainian Front launched a counterattack, resulting in the capture of Vienna and the elimination of most German forces in the south.
The Soviet Union, along with the United States, Britain, and France, divided Austria into four occupation zones, similar to what was done in Germany. The Red Army occupied parts of Austria, including Vienna, while Anglo-American troops entered from Germany and Italy. The Soviets imposed burdensome reparations on Austria, contributing to the impoverishment of the population. Additionally, issues of mass sexual violence and looting by Soviet troops further strained relations with the Austrian people.
Soviet propaganda played a significant role in shaping the occupation. Initially, propaganda in Nazi Germany had terrorized Austrians with stories of Soviet atrocities. However, as the Soviets entered Austria, their propaganda shifted to portray Austria as Hitler's first victim, differentiating ordinary Germans and Austrians from the Nazis. On April 4, 1945, a directive was issued to all frontline soldiers, emphasizing the liberation narrative and the goal of destroying the German Army.
The Moscow Declaration of 1943, agreed upon by the Soviets, British, and Americans, acknowledged Austria's role in Nazi aggression while also guaranteeing its independence. This declaration influenced Soviet policies in Austria, and as a result, Austria avoided some of the harshest consequences faced by Germany. Unlike in East Germany, the Soviets did not establish a separate socialist government in their zone. Instead, Austria was required to sign the Austrian State Treaty of 1955, pledging neutrality in the Cold War confrontation between the East and West.
Austria remained under joint occupation by Western Allies and the Soviet Union until 1955. After promising perpetual neutrality, Austria regained full independence on May 15, 1955, and the last occupation troops departed on October 25 of that year.
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Austria's independence before Hitler
Austria has a long and complex history of independence, dating back to ancient times. In the late Iron Age, around 800 BC, the region now known as Austria was occupied by the Hallstatt Celtic culture. They established a Celtic kingdom known as Noricum by the Romans, which existed from around 800 BC to 400 BC. During this period, Austria was not an independent entity but rather a collection of tribal chiefdoms.
In the 1st century BC, the lands south of the Danube became part of the Roman Empire, bringing Roman rule to the region. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Austria was influenced by various Germanic tribes and empires. In the 6th century, during the Migration Period, the Bavarii, a Germanic tribe, settled in the western part of modern-day Austria. In the 7th century, the Carantanians migrated to the Eastern Alps and established the realm of Carantania, which later became Carinthia. This was the first independent Slavic state in Europe.
In the 9th century, the Frankish Empire, established by the Germanic Franks, controlled the region. It was during this period, in 996 AD, that the name "Ostarrîchi" (Austria) was first used. Austria was a margravate of the Duchy of Bavaria within the Frankish Empire. However, in 1156, Austria became an independent duchy, and later an archduchy, of the Holy Roman Empire (962–1806). This marked a significant shift towards independence for the region.
From 1273 to 1918, Austria was dominated by the House of Habsburg and, later, the House of Habsburg-Lorraine. During this period, Austria's borders fluctuated due to dynastic divisions and unification. Despite this, Austria maintained its independence within the broader context of the Holy Roman Empire. In 1806, Emperor Francis II of Austria dissolved the Holy Roman Empire, and Austria became the Austrian Empire. It was also part of the German Confederation until the Austro-Prussian War of 1866.
In conclusion, Austria's independence before Hitler was a complex and dynamic affair, with the region experiencing various degrees of autonomy and foreign influence throughout its history. By the time Hitler rose to power in neighbouring Germany, Austria had been an independent country for centuries, with a rich and diverse cultural heritage.
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Frequently asked questions
Austria became a part of Nazi Germany on March 13, 1938, an event known as the Anschluss.
The Anschluss was the unification of Austria with Nazi Germany. The term refers to the period between March 13, 1938, when Hitler proclaimed the annexation, and April 27, 1945, when Allied-occupied Austria declared independence from Nazi Germany.
The Moscow Declaration of 1943 was a statement by the British, Americans, and Soviets that Austria was Germany's first victim of Nazi aggression, but it would also have to pay reparations for its participation. This declaration ultimately led to Austria regaining independence after World War II.
The Berchtesgaden Agreement, signed in 1938, was an agreement between Austrian Chancellor Kurt von Schuschnigg and Hitler that undermined Austrian sovereignty and independence.
No, Austria did not gain independence from Hitler during his rule. Austria remained a part of Nazi Germany throughout World War II and was only declared independent again after the war, on April 27, 1945.
