Lyla Lindsey
The annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany in 1938, known as the Anschluss, was met with widespread support from the Austrian population. This support can be attributed to various factors, including the economic crisis of the Great Depression, the rise of right-wing authoritarian parties in Europe, and the appeal of Hitler's promise of greatness and jobs. Many Austrians also considered themselves ethnically German and saw the unification of the two countries as completing the long-overdue unification of all Germans into one state. The Austrian government's decision not to resist the annexation further facilitated the Nazis' entry into Austria.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Austrians considered themselves ethnically German | 6.5 million people considered themselves German out of a population of 6.5 million |
| Austrians wanted economic stability | Many Austrians believed that their country could not survive economically without the lands previously held by Austria-Hungary |
| Austrians were antisemitic | Austrians persecuted the country's Jewish population after the Anschluss |
| Austrians were sympathetic to the Nazis | Austrians welcomed Hitler with cheers and flowers |
| Austrians were pro-unification | Austrians voted for the National Socialists in the 1927 and 1930 elections |
| Austrians were unresistant | Austrians did not resist the German invasion |
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What You'll Learn
Austrians considered themselves ethnically German
The concept of ethnicity is fluid and often defined by shared cultural heritage, ancestry, history, language, and other factors. While Austrians and Germans were historically considered the same ethnicity, Austrians have since developed a distinct national identity.
The history of Austria and Germany is long and complex. Before 1871, both countries were part of the Holy Roman Empire, with Austria as one of its leading powers. However, the rise of the German Empire, headed by Prussia, excluded Austrian lands, leading to a shift in Austria's focus towards the Balkan Peninsula. This marked the beginning of a political separation between the two nations, with Austria eventually becoming a federal state of Germany under the rule of the Nazis during World War II.
During the Nazi era, the idea of a common German identity was exploited to justify the annexation of Austria. In his book "Mein Kampf," Adolf Hitler, who was himself Austrian, wrote about the need for German-Austria to return to the German motherland, citing a shared blood and destiny. This ideology was not unique to Hitler, as many Austrian pan-Germans shared similar sentiments and desired a quick annexation to Germany.
The term "German-Austria" was used to refer to Austrian districts with an ethnic German majority. However, it is important to note that Austria is a diverse country with various dialects and minority languages, including Slovene, Croatian, and Hungarian. The Austro-Bavarian dialects, for example, are distinct from standard German and are further divided into Central and Southern subgroups.
While there were attempts to resist Nazi aggression, such as Austrian Chancellor Kurt von Schuschnigg's call for a national plebiscite to decide on independence, the invasion of German troops in March 1938 ultimately led to the incorporation of Austria into the German Reich, known as the "Anschluss." Enthusiastic crowds welcomed the German troops, and a new Nazi government was appointed.
In the aftermath of World War II, Austria regained its independence, and over time, a broader Austrian national identity emerged. While many Austrians initially still identified as Germans, this sentiment gradually changed. By 1964, only 15% of Austrians considered themselves Germans, indicating a shift towards a unique Austrian ethnic identity.
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$91.18 $101
Austrians' enthusiasm for Hitler
The annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany, known as the Anschluss, was met with enthusiasm by many Austrians. On March 12, 1938, German troops marched into Austria and were greeted by cheering crowds. The Nazis' invasion and unification of Austria and Germany was, in fact, the first act of territorial aggression and expansion committed by Nazi Germany.
Hitler had long desired to annex Austria, his country of birth, into the German Reich. In his 1925 book, Mein Kampf, Hitler wrote, "German-Austria must return to the great German motherland, and not because of economic considerations of any sort... Common blood belongs in a common Reich." In the years leading up to the annexation, Austrian National Socialists aligned with Hitler gained more votes, and pro-Nazi groups attempted to seize power in Austria. In July 1934, a pro-Nazi group tried to overthrow the Austrian government with Hitler's approval and assistance, but the coup failed when Austrian military leaders did not support it.
In February 1938, Hitler met with Austrian Chancellor Kurt von Schuschnigg and bullied him into naming several top Austrian Nazis to his cabinet. When von Schuschnigg called for a national plebiscite to decide whether Austria should remain independent or join the Third Reich, Hitler decided to invade immediately to prevent the vote. German troops crossed the border and were met not with resistance, but with cheers and flowers. Austrians welcomed Hitler warmly as he travelled through the country. The annexation was proclaimed on March 13, 1938, and many Austrians participated enthusiastically in the rapid Nazification of Austrian life.
The enthusiasm for Hitler and the Nazis among Austrians can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, many Austrians considered themselves ethnically German, and Austria had only become a separate country after the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the end of World War I. Some Austrians felt that their country could not survive economically without the lands previously held by the Empire. Additionally, antisemitism was widespread in Austria, even in the highest government offices, which may have contributed to support for Hitler's racist and antisemitic ideology.
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Austria's history of antisemitism
Austria has a long history of antisemitism, which has persisted despite the country's small Jewish population. Evidence of Jewish communities in the geographic area now covered by Austria can be traced back to the 12th century. While Jews were granted civil rights in 1848 and full citizenship in 1867, antisemitism remained a prevalent issue.
In the lead-up to World War II, Austria became a welcoming ground for the Nazis and their ideology. In July 1934, a pro-Nazi group attempted to overthrow the Austrian government with Hitler's approval. Although the coup failed, it set the stage for future Nazi influence in Austria. In 1938, German troops invaded and annexed Austria, incorporating it into the German Reich in what became known as the Anschluss. This event was met with enthusiasm by many Austrians, and it was followed by a wave of street violence against Jewish people and property. The Jewish population in Austria, which had grown to almost 185,000 in 1938, was now subjected to Nazi persecution, with thousands sent to concentration camps.
Even after World War II, antisemitism remained entrenched in Austrian political life and culture. According to Austrian sociologist Bernd Marin, the post-war period witnessed what he termed "antisemitism without Jews," as prejudice persisted even in areas with minimal Jewish presence. This dynamic led to what he described as "antisemitism without antisemites," where coded expressions and ambivalence towards the past masked underlying antisemitic sentiments.
In contemporary times, Austria continues to grapple with incidents of antisemitism. The 2010s saw a rise in antisemitic vandalism, desecration of Jewish graves, and attacks on Jewish individuals and institutions. While public expressions of antisemitism are generally taboo, right-wing groups and neo-Nazi activities have intensified, exploiting linguistic means to circumvent direct expressions of antisemitism. Efforts to counter this surge, such as the European Conference on Antisemitism, have emerged to address the issue and promote Jewish life in Europe.
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Austria's weak resistance to invasion
Austria's resistance to the Nazi invasion was weak for several reasons, including the presence of pro-Nazi sentiment in the country, the failure of the Austrian government to take effective measures to counter the Nazi threat, and the lack of external support from other countries.
Firstly, there was a significant pro-Nazi sentiment among a sizable portion of the Austrian population. The Austrian Nazi Party, while initially weak and divided, gained traction in the early 1930s as Hitler's popularity in Germany rose. Many Austrians welcomed the idea of unification with Germany, and pro-Nazi Austrians actively worked to undermine the Austrian government and promote unification. This pro-Nazi sentiment was evident during the invasion itself, as German troops were greeted with cheers, Nazi salutes, and flowers, rather than armed resistance.
Secondly, the Austrian government failed to adequately address the growing Nazi threat. Austrian politics in the lead-up to the invasion was characterised by infighting and political violence, with the rise of the Nazis further destabilising the situation. The Austrian chancellor, Kurt Schuschnigg, attempted to maintain Austrian independence by calling for a referendum on the issue. However, this move backfired as Hitler used it as a pretext to invade, and Schuschnigg ultimately gave in to Hitler's demands and resigned, pleading with Austrian forces not to resist.
Additionally, the Austrian government's efforts to resist the Nazis were hampered by the exile of many leading Austrian Nazis to Germany after the failed 1934 coup. From Germany, these exiles continued to work towards unification and exerted pressure on the Austrian government. The Austrian government also faced limited options for external support, as neither France nor Britain was willing to offer assistance in countering the Nazi threat.
Furthermore, the Nazis had been working to infiltrate and gain influence within Austrian institutions, including civil servants, soldiers, and police officers, who publicly swore allegiance to Hitler. This erosion of Austrian society from within made it difficult to mount an effective resistance.
Finally, the Nazis' successful propaganda campaign contributed to the weak resistance. Hitler had long expressed his desire for unification with Austria, considering it a necessary step towards creating a "common Reich" for Germans and Austrians of "common blood". This idea resonated with many Austrians, who saw themselves as ethnically and culturally similar to Germans.
In conclusion, Austria's weak resistance to the Nazi invasion can be attributed to a combination of factors, including internal political instability, the presence of pro-Nazi sentiment, the failure of the Austrian government to take decisive action, a lack of external support, and effective Nazi propaganda.
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Austria's Nazi government
The annexation of Austria was the first act of territorial aggression and expansion by Nazi Germany. It violated the Treaty of Versailles and the Treaty of Saint-Germain, which expressly forbade the unification of Austria and Germany. The Nazis' disregard for these treaties demonstrated their contempt for the post-World War I European order. The international community's acceptance of the annexation without punishment further enabled Hitler's expansionist agenda.
The establishment of a Nazi government in Austria was facilitated by several factors. Firstly, many Austrians considered themselves ethnically German, and there was widespread support for unification with Germany. Secondly, between World Wars I and II, Austria struggled economically, and many Austrians believed that unification with Germany would provide economic benefits. Additionally, there was already a presence of pro-Nazi groups in Austria, who had attempted a coup in 1934 with Hitler's approval. These groups contributed to the spread of Nazi ideology and gained support in the years leading up to the annexation.
The Nazi government in Austria immediately began the Nazification of Austrian society, with the active participation of many Austrians. This included the persecution of the country's Jewish population, marking the beginning of Austria's role in the Holocaust.
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Frequently asked questions
Many Austrians considered themselves ethnically German and spoke German as their primary language. They also believed that their country could not survive economically without the lands previously held by Austria-Hungary. This led to a desire for unification with Germany.
There was widespread antisemitism in the Austrian government, with Karl Renner, the first chancellor of republican Austria, welcoming the Anschluss in 1938. Austrian Nazis had also conspired to seize the Austrian government by force and unite with Nazi Germany.
The annexation of Austria was the first act of territorial aggression committed by Nazi Germany. While it violated the Treaty of Versailles and the Treaty of Saint-Germain, the international community did not intervene or punish the Nazis for these violations. This acceptance was a significant act of appeasement that allowed Hitler to continue his expansionary policies.
