Lexi Webster
The annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany, known as the Anschluss, was the first act of territorial aggression by the Nazi regime. The unification of the two countries was a long-held aspiration, particularly among Austrians who considered themselves ethnically German. The idea of a Greater Germany gained support after Austria was excluded from the unification of Germany in 1871 and the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918. While the Austrian Nazi Party initially struggled to gain popularity, Hitler's rise to power in Germany and a Nazi propaganda campaign increased support for the unification of the two countries. Hitler's popularity in Austria peaked after the Anschluss, and many Austrians enthusiastically participated in the Nazification of their country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shared History | Austria and Germany share a history, with German being the official language in both countries. |
| Ethnic Majority | Germans are the majority ethnic group in both countries. |
| Language | German is the primary language in both countries. |
| Economic Dependence | Austrians believed that their country could not survive economically without the lands previously held by Austria-Hungary. |
| Unification | Austrians wanted to unite with Germany to form a "Greater Germany". |
| Propaganda | Nazi propaganda campaigns used slogans such as "One People, One Empire, One Leader" to convince Austrians to support the Anschluss. |
| Intimidation | Austrians were subjected to intimidation and suppression of the political opposition by the Nazis. |
| Isolation | Austria was isolated due to strategic collaboration between Italy and Germany. |
| Popular Support | Hitler claimed a 99% vote in favor of the Anschluss and his rule. |
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What You'll Learn
Austrians considered themselves ethnically German
The notion of Austrians being ethnically German is a complex and historically fraught issue. While some Austrians have considered themselves ethnically German, this identification has changed over time, and there are cultural and linguistic differences between the two groups.
Historically, Austrians and Germans were considered the same ethnicity, with a shared language and cultural heritage. Austria and Germany were once part of the Holy Roman Empire, which came to an end during the Napoleonic Wars in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. During this time, the term "Austrians" was used to identify subjects of the House of Austria, regardless of their ethnic ancestry. The common German identity and ruling dynasty of lands such as Carinthia, Styria, and Tyrol made it easier for these regions to accept a centralised government in Vienna during the mid-18th century.
However, the establishment of the German Empire in 1871, which excluded Austrian lands, led to a shift in Austrian identity. The influence of pan-Germanism diminished in the Habsburg territories, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire created ethnic conflict between German Austrians and other ethnic groups. As a result, Austrians began to grapple with their identity, as expressed by Social Democratic Leader Otto Bauer: "the conflict between our Austrian and German character."
Despite these complexities, many Austrians continued to identify as ethnically German. In the 1920s, many Austrians felt that their country could not survive economically without the lands previously held by Austria-Hungary. Additionally, the shared language and cultural similarities between Austria and Germany, particularly Bavaria, cannot be overlooked. Even after World War II, when an independent Austria was re-established, a 1956 survey found that 46% of Austrians still considered themselves Germans.
However, over time, the Austrian national identity has evolved, and today, most Austrians do not identify themselves as ethnically German. Instead, they view themselves as a unique ethnic group, distinct from their German neighbours. This shift can be attributed to nearly three generations of political separation, which have led to cultural and linguistic divergences between the two groups. While German is the official language of Austria, most Austrians speak local dialects of Austro-Bavarian or Allemannic, and these linguistic differences have contributed to a sense of ethnic distinctness.
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Nazi propaganda
The annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany in 1938, known as the Anschluss, was the Nazi regime's first act of territorial aggression and expansion. The Anschluss was widely popular in both Germany and Austria. It was celebrated by the Nazis as the fulfillment of the German people's destiny, and they glorified it in speeches and propaganda events.
Hitler himself gave a speech to a huge crowd in Vienna's Heldenplatz, a large square in the center of Vienna, celebrating Nazi Germany's annexation of Austria. This speech, along with film footage and photographs of the crowds, was featured in German newsreels and newspapers to demonstrate Austrian enthusiasm for the Anschluss and justify the illegal takeover.
The Nazi propaganda campaign leading up to the referendum on April 10, 1938, co-opted and mobilized various Austrian institutions and leaders, including representatives of the Austrian working class and the Catholic Church, who had previously been reluctant to embrace Nazism. The controlled press and radio campaigned for a "Yes" vote to the "Reunion of Germany and Austria," and prominent Austrians, such as Cardinal Theodor Innitzer and the socialist politician Karl Renner, promoted the approval. The churches in Austria also showed their support by tolling their bells in favor of Hitler on the day before the referendum. As a result, official records showed an overwhelming majority of 99.73% voting "Yes" in Austria.
The popularity of the Nazi Party in Austria had been growing since Hitler came to power in Germany, and the idea of Austria joining Germany gained traction, partly due to Nazi propaganda campaigns. Slogans like "Ein Volk, ein Reich, ein Führer" ("One People, One Empire, One Leader") were used to convince Austrians to advocate for the Anschluss. The enthusiasm displayed towards Hitler and the Germans surprised both Nazis and non-Nazis, as it was believed that a majority of Austrians opposed the Anschluss.
However, it is important to note that the Austrian population's support for the Anschluss was not unanimous. According to estimates, only about a quarter to one-third of Austrians fully supported Nazism during the existence of Nazi Germany. The plebiscite was also subject to large-scale Nazi propaganda and the abrogation of voting rights of certain groups, such as former members of left-wing parties and Austrian citizens of Jewish or Romani origin.
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Austria's economic dependence on Germany
Austria and Germany have a deep historical bond rooted in their Germanic heritage, a shared language, and a centuries-long shared history. The Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation, which was officially a German polity from 1512 and mostly led by Austria, encompassed both Austrians and Germans. This shared history has led to extensive cooperation between the two countries in the fields of media, culture, and economics.
Austria's economy is highly dependent on Germany, which is Austria's most important economic partner. The two countries have an annual trade volume of more than 100 billion euros, and numerous German companies have branch offices and production facilities in Austria. German-Austrian co-productions are common in radio, television, and film, and the countries cooperate on the TV channels 3sat and ARTE. German publishing houses hold shares in Austrian media companies, and there is extensive coverage of each country in the other's media.
Tourism is another important sector of the Austrian economy that is dependent on Germany. Austria is one of the most popular tourist destinations for Germans, who traditionally make up around 60% of its foreign visitors. Before Austria joined the European Union, this sector was very dependent on German guests.
However, Austria's membership in the European Union and the Eurozone has helped to reduce this economic dependence by providing access to the European Single Market and attracting foreign investors. Austria has also made progress in increasing its international competitiveness and strengthening its trade relations with other European and EU member countries. As a result, Austria's economic dependence on Germany has decreased, and its economy is now more closely integrated with other EU member countries.
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Austria's isolation after strategic collaboration between Italy and Germany
Austria's relations with Germany and Italy have been complex and multifaceted, with a history of collaboration, conflict, and evolving strategic interests. In the context of Austria's isolation after the strategic collaboration between Italy and Germany, it is essential to understand the broader historical context and the dynamics between these three countries.
During the 19th century, Austria and Italy had a complex relationship, with Austrian rule in northern Italy clashing with rising Italian nationalism. This resulted in the Wars of Italian Independence between 1848 and 1866, which ultimately led to an Italian victory and the unification of Italy. Despite this conflict, Austria and Italy found themselves allied during World War I, with Italy fighting alongside the Triple Entente against Austria-Hungary, which it had previously been allied with. This shift in alliances highlights the dynamic nature of international relations and the pursuit of strategic interests.
In the post-World War I era, Austria and Germany found themselves in a delicate situation regarding their relations. While there were aspirations for union or amalgamation between the two countries, the injunctions of Versailles and Saint Germain, as well as the Treaty of Versailles, formally prohibited such a union. Italy, England, and the United States agreed with the French veto against the amalgamation, further isolating Austria and preventing this potential union.
During the interwar period, Italy, under the leadership of Benito Mussolini, pursued a complex foreign policy. Mussolini initially opposed any German annexation of Austria, going so far as to threaten war with Germany if they attempted to violate Austrian independence. However, relations between Italy and Germany improved when Hitler supported Italy's invasion of Ethiopia in 1935, despite international condemnation of the invasion. This dynamic highlights the shifting alliances and strategic calculations of the time.
In conclusion, Austria's isolation was a result of complex geopolitical dynamics and the pursuit of strategic interests by various powers. The collaboration between Italy and Germany, along with other factors, contributed to Austria's isolation and prevented potential unification with Germany. Austria's relations with its neighbours have evolved over time, influenced by historical conflicts, shifting alliances, and the pursuit of national interests.
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Austria's history as part of the Holy Roman Empire
The history of Austria is closely tied to the Holy Roman Empire, which encompassed much of Central Europe, including modern-day Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The origins of Austria as a distinct political entity within the Empire can be traced back to the 9th century when Charlemagne, the King of the Franks, established a territory in the Danube Valley known as the Ostmark or Eastern March. This territory became known as Österreich, or the "Kingdom of the East."
In 962, Otto became the first Holy Roman Emperor, and Bavaria, which included the Eastern March, became a duchy within the Empire. In 976, Otto established a new Bavarian Eastern March, which was subsequently known as Austria, under the rule of Leopold, Count of Babenberg. The name "Ostarrîchi" or Austria has been in use since 996 AD when it was a margravate of the Duchy of Bavaria.
Austria remained a part of the Holy Roman Empire for centuries, and the Empire's capital was established in Vienna during the reign of Emperor Charles V (1519-1556). The Habsburg dynasty, which ruled the Empire for much of its existence, had a significant influence on Austria. Under Empress Maria Theresa (1717-1780), the Habsburg holdings were reformed and united, and she became Archduchess of Austria and Queen of Hungary. Her husband, Francis I, was elected Holy Roman Emperor in 1745.
However, the Holy Roman Empire began to weaken towards the end of the 18th century due to French intervention and the Napoleonic Wars. In 1803, the Imperial Recess significantly reduced the number of ecclesiastical states and free imperial cities within the Empire, weakening its structure. In 1805, an Austrian army was defeated by French forces near Ulm, leading to the capture of thousands of Austrian soldiers.
Finally, in 1806, Emperor Francis II of Austria dissolved the Holy Roman Empire, and Austria became the Austrian Empire. Francis II became Francis I of Austria, and the Austrian Empire comprised all the lands of the former Holy Roman Empire ruled by the Habsburg monarchy. The dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire marked a significant change, but it also allowed the Habsburg monarchs to retain their imperial status and continue their rule over Austria.
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Frequently asked questions
Most Austrians considered themselves ethnically German and shared a common language with Germany. Austria had also been a part of the Holy Roman Empire and the German Confederation until 1866. Many Austrians believed that their country could not survive economically without the lands previously held by the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
The Austrian Nazi Party played a crucial role in the unification of Austria and Germany, known as the Anschluss. Austrian Nazis enthusiastically welcomed German troops into Austria and took control of the country without firing a shot. They also participated in the persecution of Austria's Jewish population and served loyally as soldiers in the German military.
The unification of Austria and Germany violated the Treaty of Versailles and the Treaty of Saint-Germain, which expressly forbade such a union. However, the other European powers did not intervene or punish Germany for these violations, allowing Hitler to continue his expansionist policies unchecked.
After World War II, the political ideology of Pan-Germanism fell out of favor, and Austrians began to develop their own distinct national identity separate from Germany. By 1987, only 6% of Austrians identified as Germans, and by 2008, 82% considered themselves to be their own nation.
