Leslie Massey
Austria has had a complex relationship with Germany, with the two countries sharing a history that dates back to the early Middle Ages. While Austria has, at various times, been closely linked to Germany, it has also enjoyed periods of independence. Most notably, Austria was annexed into Germany under the Nazi regime from 1938 to 1945, an event known as the Anschluss, which saw Austrian Nazis conspire to unite the two nations. However, following World War II, Austria once again became an independent republic in 1955.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dates when Austria was a part of Germany | 1156-1806, 1815-1866, 1938-1945 |
| Reason for union | Annexation by Nazi Germany |
| Union name | Anschluss |
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What You'll Learn
- Austria was annexed into Germany under the Nazi regime from 1938 to 1945
- From 1156 to 1806, Austria was part of the Holy Roman Empire
- Austria and Germany are both members of the European Union
- Austria was a dominant state within the Holy Roman Empire
- Austria was a federal state of Germany until the end of World War II
Austria was annexed into Germany under the Nazi regime from 1938 to 1945
The annexation of Austria had been a long-standing goal of Adolf Hitler, who was born in Austria and believed that the country "must return to the great German motherland". After Hitler rose to power in Germany in 1933, he demanded the right to the Anschluss, but this was initially blocked by Benito Mussolini's Italian Fascist government, which feared retrospective territorial demands from Hitler. However, after 1936, Hitler and Mussolini forged a closer relationship in preparation for Germany's expansionist ambitions. Hitler used the Nazi Party of Austria to influence public opinion and staged a coup against the Austrian Fascist government in 1938.
In the lead-up to the annexation, Austrian Chancellor Kurt von Schuschnigg attempted to assert his country's independence by calling for a plebiscite, or national vote, to take place on March 13, 1938, to determine whether Austrians wished to remain independent or become part of the Third Reich. Hitler, upon learning of this, decided to invade Austria immediately to prevent the vote from happening. Schuschnigg became aware of the impending invasion and cancelled the plebiscite, offering to resign to avoid bloodshed. Hitler demanded that the Austrian president, Wilhelm Miklas, appoint Arthur Seyss-Inquart, an Austrian Nazi politician, as the nation's next chancellor. When Miklas refused, Hitler ordered the invasion to commence at dawn on March 12.
Hitler accompanied the German troops into Austria, where they were met by enthusiastic crowds. On March 13, the Anschluss was officially proclaimed, and Austria became a federal state of Germany. This state of affairs lasted until the end of World War II, when the Allied powers declared the Anschluss void and reestablished an independent Austria, known as the Second Austrian Republic, in 1945.
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From 1156 to 1806, Austria was part of the Holy Roman Empire
During the early 19th century, Napoleon invaded the Holy Roman Empire and defeated the Austrians at Austerlitz. The last Austrian emperor abdicated, and Napoleon created a puppet state out of the former German territories of the Holy Roman Empire, effectively ending the empire. The fall and dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire were accelerated by French intervention in the Empire in September 1805. On 20 October 1805, an Austrian army led by General Karl Mack von Leiberich was defeated by French armies near the city of Ulm, resulting in the capture of 20,000 Austrian soldiers and many cannons.
The Austrian Empire was officially known as the Empire of Austria and was a multinational European great power from 1804 to 1867. It was proclaimed by Francis II in 1804 in response to Napoleon's declaration of the First French Empire, unifying all Habsburg possessions under one central government. The empire remained part of the Holy Roman Empire until the latter's dissolution in 1806.
After the end of World War I in 1918, Austria was reduced to the main, mostly German-speaking areas of the empire and adopted the name the Republic of German-Austria. However, union with Germany and the chosen country name were forbidden by the Allies at the Treaty of Versailles. This led to the creation of the First Austrian Republic in 1919. Following the First Republic, Austrofascism tried to keep Austria independent from the German Reich.
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Austria and Germany are both members of the European Union
Austria and Germany have had a complex and dynamic relationship over the centuries, with periods of union and separation. One notable instance of Austria being a part of Germany occurred under the Nazi regime from 1938 to 1945, known as the Anschluss, when Austria was annexed into Germany. However, this union was short-lived, and Austria regained its independence after World War II.
Fast forward to 1995, and Austria joined the European Union (EU), becoming a member state alongside Germany, which had been a part of the EU since 1958. This marked a significant shift in their relationship, now bound by the shared framework of the EU. As members of the EU, Austria and Germany have embraced a shared currency and open borders and representation in various EU institutions.
Austria and Germany, as full federations within the EU, grant constitutional autonomy to their respective regions. This structure allows for the decentralisation of power and the accommodation of regional perspectives in governance. Austria, for example, has 12 representatives on the European Committee of the Regions, ensuring that the country's interests and policies are considered in EU decision-making.
Both countries benefit from the EU's Single Market, which fosters economic integration and provides a platform for tackling shared challenges, such as migration, terrorism, and climate change. Additionally, EU membership brings about tangible improvements, including enhanced transport infrastructure, modernised public services, and advancements in medical treatment.
While Austria and Germany are united under the EU umbrella, they differ in their stance on NATO. Germany has been a NATO member since 1955, whereas Austria maintains its neutrality and is not a part of the alliance, adhering to its constitutional requirement. Despite this divergence, the two countries collaborate closely within the EU, contributing to a united Europe while retaining their unique identities.
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Austria was a dominant state within the Holy Roman Empire
Austria has long been considered the seat of power for the Habsburgs, and it was a dominant state within the Holy Roman Empire. The Holy Roman Empire was a multi-ethnic complex of territories in central Europe that developed during the Early Middle Ages and continued until its dissolution in 1806. The territory of the Empire included present-day Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, northern Italy, and western Poland.
The Habsburgs held the title of Holy Roman Emperor from 1438-1740 and again from 1745-1806. During this time, the various Habsburg possessions never formed a single country, and each province was governed according to its own customs. The Holy Roman Emperor was traditionally elected, and the position was not hereditary. In contrast, the Habsburgs held significant power over the territories they ruled, which did not overlap with the Holy Roman Empire.
In 1804, Holy Roman Emperor Francis II, who was also the ruler of the lands of the Habsburg Monarchy, founded the Empire of Austria, which unified all Habsburg possessions under a central government. This new empire, officially called the "Empire of Austria," existed alongside the Holy Roman Empire until the latter's dissolution in 1806. After the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire, Austria became a sovereign state known as the Austrian Empire.
It is important to note that Austria was not always a dominant state within the Holy Roman Empire. In the 18th century, for example, the Kingdom of Prussia rose as a rival power within the Empire, and Austria and Prussia fought a series of wars over the province of Silesia (present-day southwestern Poland). Additionally, the numerous German states within the Empire often jostled for power and influence, leading to frequent conflicts.
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Austria was a federal state of Germany until the end of World War II
Austria's history of being part of Germany goes back to the early history of both nations. From 555 to 843, the Duchy of Bavaria, ruled by Francia of West Germanic Franks, included the March of Pannonia, which would become Austria around 970. From 843 to 962, Bavarian Austria was under East Francia (the Kingdom of Germany). From 1156 to 1806, Austria (excluding its non-German lands) was part of the Holy Roman Empire, which was officially a German polity from 1512 and mostly led by Austria itself.
In 1806, when Emperor Francis II of Austria dissolved the Holy Roman Empire, Austria became the Austrian Empire and was also part of the German Confederation until the Austro-Prussian War of 1866. In 1866, Austria was separated from Germany, and the German Confederation was dissolved.
In the 20th century, Austria's inclusion in Germany was driven by the Nazi regime. Austrian-born Adolf Hitler, who became Chancellor of Germany in 1933, demanded the right to Anschluss (union) between Austria and Germany. In 1938, Hitler invaded Austria and accompanied German troops into the country, where they were met with enthusiastic crowds. On March 13, 1938, the Anschluss was proclaimed, and Austria became a federal state of Germany. This union was voided at the end of World War II when the Allied powers reestablished an independent Austria.
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Frequently asked questions
Austria was annexed into Germany in 1938 under the Nazi regime. This annexation was called the Anschluss and made Austria a federal state of Germany until the end of World War II in 1945.
Austrian Nazis attempted a coup d'etat in 1934 and conspired to unite Austria with Germany in 1938. However, Austrian Chancellor Kurt von Schuschnigg wanted to maintain Austrian independence and called for a national plebiscite to let Austrians decide.
Yes, Austria was separated from Germany in 1866 after the Austro-Prussian War. Austria then formed a dual monarchy with Hungary, creating the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
