Ruqayyah Snyder
The annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany, known as the Anschluss, was the first act of territorial expansion by the Nazi regime. The idea of a union between Austria and Germany dated back to 1871, when the unification of Germany excluded Austria and German Austrians from the German Empire. While Benito Mussolini initially supported Austrian independence, he eventually entered into a client relationship with Berlin, forming the Berlin-Rome Axis in 1937. Hitler, on the other hand, had expressed his desire for Austria's unification with Germany in his 1925 book, Mein Kampf, and his intentions became increasingly aggressive throughout the 1930s, culminating in the annexation of Austria in March 1938.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Annexation | 12 March 1938 |
| Number of German troops that entered Austria | 25,000 |
| Hitler's motive for invasion | To seize Austria's economy to gain an advantage in the arms race with Britain and France |
| Austria's role after annexation | An integral part of the Third Reich, with 700,000 people, or 10% of the population, joining the Nazi Party |
| Hitler's initial plan for Austria | To be taken "by force" |
| Austria's chancellor before annexation | Kurt von Schuschnigg |
| Austria's chancellor after annexation | Arthur Seyss-Inquart |
| Austria's president after annexation | Wilhelm Miklas |
| Hitler's assurance to Schuschnigg | "Germany neither intends nor wishes to interfere in the internal affairs of Austria, to annex Austria or to conclude an Anschluss." |
| Hitler's demands of Schuschnigg | Austria's foreign and military policies were to be coordinated with Germany's; Austrian Nazis imprisoned by the Austrian government were to be amnestied |
| Mussolini's role | Supported Austrian independence, but needed German support in Ethiopia; entered into a client relationship with Berlin in 1937 |
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What You'll Learn
Hitler's 1938 demands of Austrian chancellor Schuschnigg
In 1925, Hitler wrote in his book, Mein Kampf, about his desire to unite Austria and Germany, stating:
> German-Austria must return to the great German motherland, and not because of economic considerations of any sort. No, no: even if from the economic point of view this union were unimportant, indeed, if it were harmful, it ought nevertheless to be brought about. Common blood belongs in a common Reich.
Hitler's intentions to take over Austria became more evident in 1937 when, in a secret speech, Göring stated that the only solution to meeting steel production targets was to annex Austria, which was rich in iron. In the late summer of 1937, Hitler told Goebbels that Austria would eventually have to be taken "by force".
Hitler's 1938 demands of Austrian Chancellor Kurt Schuschnigg were aimed at consolidating his power in Austria and paving the way for its annexation. On February 12, 1938, Hitler met with Schuschnigg at his residence in Berghof. During this meeting, Hitler presented Schuschnigg with a set of demands, including:
- Appointing Nazi sympathizers to positions of power in the government: The key appointment was that of Arthur Seyss-Inquart as Minister of Public Security, with full, unlimited control of the police. Seyss-Inquart was a long-time supporter of the Nazis and advocated for the union of all Germans in one state.
- Reaffirmation of the Treaty: In return for Schuschnigg's compliance, Hitler offered to publicly reaffirm the treaty of July 11, 1936, and support Austria's national sovereignty.
- Full Political Rights for the Nazi Party: Hitler demanded that the Austrian Nazi Party be granted full political rights and that its members be appointed to Schuschnigg's cabinet.
- Cancellation of the Plebiscite: Hitler demanded that Schuschnigg cancel the planned plebiscite (referendum) on March 13, 1938, which was meant to decide the issue of unification with Germany.
- Resignation and Appointment of a New Chancellor: On March 11, 1938, Hitler demanded Schuschnigg's resignation and the appointment of Arthur Seyss-Inquart as the new chancellor of Austria.
Fearing an invasion and under intense pressure, Schuschnigg eventually gave in to Hitler's demands. He put Nazi sympathizers in positions of power, called off the plebiscite, and resigned on March 11. On March 12, Austrian President Wilhelm Miklas appointed Seyss-Inquart as the new chancellor, and German troops crossed the border, completing the annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany.
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Mussolini's support for Austrian independence
Mussolini initially supported Austrian independence, treating it as a buffer between Italy and Nazi Germany. He was also outraged by Hitler's role in the attempted coup and assassination of his friend, the Austrian chancellor Engelbert Dollfuss, in 1934. Mussolini sent troops to the Austro-Italian border to defend Austrian sovereignty.
However, by 1935-1936, Mussolini began to pressure Schuschnigg to cooperate with the Germans. He needed Hitler's support in Ethiopia, and so entered into a client relationship with Berlin that began with the formation of the Berlin-Rome Axis in 1937. Mussolini had also grown tired of being Europe's guarantor of Austrian independence. By the winter of 1937-1938, Mussolini was no longer a reliable guarantor of Austrian independence. In September 1937, he abandoned Austria to the Nazi predator, regarding Schuschnigg's Austria "as a German Austria that could conduct no policy other than a German one".
Mussolini floated the idea of a multinational treaty that would guarantee Austrian independence, but this was rejected by Schuschnigg when the two men met in August 1934. Schuschnigg also nervously rejected Mussolini's alternative of placing Italian troops on Austrian soil. Mussolini then redirected Italy's geopolitical attention to Northeast Africa and the Mediterranean area.
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Hitler's 1937 meeting with military leaders
On November 5, 1937, Hitler met with his military and foreign policy leadership in Berlin. This meeting, known as the Hossbach Conference, marked the beginning of Hitler's foreign policies becoming radicalised. The conference was called in response to complaints from Admiral Raeder about insufficient allocations to the navy. Hitler demanded total secrecy at the beginning of the meeting, and outlined his ideas for expansionist policies, stating that his speech should be considered a "political testament" in the event of his death.
Hitler discussed his motivations and intentions for a war of expansion in Europe, specifically referring to Czechoslovakia and Austria as targets for small wars of plunder to support Germany's struggling economy. He stated that economic problems were causing Germany to fall behind in the arms race with Britain and France, and that the only solution was to launch a series of wars in the near future. Hitler saw these countries as easy targets whose economies would be plundered to give Germany the lead in the arms race. He also outlined the necessary actions to achieve 'Lebensraum' (living space) in Eastern Europe and the steps required to 'Germanise' the conquered land.
Hitler's views on Britain had changed significantly since 1928, now seeing them as a "hate-inspired antagonist" that was blocking German foreign policy goals. However, he did not want war with Britain and France in 1939, and his advisors, including Fritsch, Blomberg, and Neurath, urged him to wait until Germany had more time to rearm. By 1938, these advisors had been removed from their positions, possibly due to their opposition to Hitler's plans.
Hitler's plans for Austria were put into action in February 1938, when he met with Austrian Chancellor Schuschnigg and made a series of demands, including coordinating Austrian foreign and military policies with Germany, and placing Austrian Nazi Arthur Seyss-Inquart in charge of policing and security matters. In March 1938, Hitler gave the Austrian government a series of ultimatums, threatening invasion if his demands were not met. The German military invaded Austria on March 12, 1938, and the annexation was complete in just three days.
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The Austrian Nazi Party's failed 1930 election
The rise of the Nazi Party in Germany was facilitated by the country's political and economic instability in the late 1920s and early 1930s. The worldwide economic depression had hit Germany hard, leaving millions unemployed. The parliamentary government coalition was perceived as weak and incapable of effectively addressing the economic crisis. This widespread economic misery, coupled with fear and anger at the government's apparent failure to manage the crisis, created a grim mood in the country.
In this context, the Austrian Nazi Party failed to win any seats in the November 1930 general election. However, its popularity grew in Austria after Hitler came to power in Germany in 1933. The idea of Austria joining Germany also gained traction, fuelled by Nazi propaganda campaigns. Slogans like "Ein Volk, ein Reich, ein Führer" ("One People, One Empire, One Leader") were used to advocate for an Anschluss (union) with Germany.
Hitler's rise to power in Germany was a significant factor in the changing fortunes of the Austrian Nazi Party. By tapping into the anger and helplessness felt by many Germans, Hitler attracted a large following. He effectively directed the population's anger and fear towards Jews and Marxists, fostering extreme nationalism and antisemitism within his party. Hitler's talent for oratory and propaganda helped him cultivate a powerful image as the Nazi Party leader.
The Austrian Nazi Party's failed attempt to seize power in 1930 did not deter Hitler's ambitions for Austria. In 1934, he ordered a coup in Austria, which failed and forced him to temporarily deny involvement. Hitler's long-term goal of annexing Austria became more apparent in 1936, when he assured Mussolini that Germany had no intention of interfering in Austrian affairs or pursuing territorial claims. By 1937, Hitler had expressed to his inner circle his belief that Austria would eventually need to be taken "by force."
In early 1938, Hitler was ready to take decisive action. He presented Austrian Chancellor Schuschnigg with a series of demands, including coordinating foreign and military policies with Germany and appointing Austrian Nazi Arthur Seyss-Inquart to a position of power. When Schuschnigg resigned rather than comply, Hitler ordered the invasion of Austria, which was swiftly carried out, surprising many who had believed most Austrians opposed the Anschluss.
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Hitler's 1935 speech at the Reichstag
On the anniversary of his rise to power, Hitler gave a speech to the Reichstag (German Parliament) in 1935. In his address, Hitler expressed his gratitude for being able to speak before the first Greater German Reichstag. He highlighted the realisation of the long-held dreams and unity of the German Volk. He also emphasised the importance of economic policy, stating that it is based on the quantity of goods produced and regrettably, a significant percentage of manpower must be allocated to armament.
Hitler's speech also touched on the role of the National Socialist leadership in strengthening the Reich's defences. He referenced the transfer of tax earnings to the Churches, detailing the amounts for the fiscal years from 1933 to 1938, with an additional mention of annual subsidies received by the Church.
Hitler's 1935 speech set the stage for his future actions and ambitions, including his intentions towards Austria. While the specific details of the annexation of Austria, known as the Anschluss, were not explicitly outlined in this speech, it laid the groundwork for Hitler's expansionist agenda.
Hitler's desire to incorporate Austria into the German Reich had been building for years. The failed coup attempt in Austria in 1934, orchestrated by Hitler and Theodor Habicht, leader of the Austrian Nazi movement, demonstrated his determination to gain control. Despite initially denying involvement, Hitler's true intentions became evident. Mussolini, who supported Austrian independence due to his own interests, entered into a client relationship with Hitler in 1937, forming the Berlin-Rome Axis. This alliance further isolated Austria and signalled Mussolini's shift away from guaranteeing Austrian independence.
Hitler's meeting with Austrian Chancellor Schuschnigg in February 1938 confirmed his readiness to take full control of Austria. He presented a series of demands, including coordinating Austria's foreign and military policies with Germany and installing Arthur Seyss-Inquart, an Austrian Nazi, as the new chancellor. The invasion of Austria commenced in March 1938, and despite Schuschnigg's efforts to maintain independence, the Anschluss unified Austria and Germany, fulfilling Hitler's long-held ambition.
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Frequently asked questions
Hitler had long desired to annex Austria, which he saw as a return to the great German motherland. He believed that all German-Austrians belonged in a common Reich. In 1938, Hitler was ready to take full control of Austria and presented Austrian Chancellor Schuschnigg with a set of demands, including appointing Nazi sympathizers to positions of power in the government. When these demands were not met, Hitler ordered the invasion of Austria.
The annexation of Austria, known as the Anschluss, was the first act of territorial aggression and expansion by Nazi Germany. It demonstrated Hitler's aggressive territorial ambitions and was a display of his power, as he violated the Versailles Treaty without consequence.
Many Austrians supported the idea of a union with Germany, and the Austrian Nazi Party grew in popularity after Hitler came to power. Austrians saw the Anschluss as completing the long-overdue unification of all Germans into one state.
The Anschluss resulted in the loss of Austrian independence and the establishment of a Nazi regime in the country. It also had international repercussions, as it revealed the failure of the British and French to intervene and stop Hitler's violation of the Versailles Treaty.
Initially, Mussolini supported Austrian independence, as he was concerned about Hitler's potential territorial claims on Italy. However, after receiving assurances from Hitler and forming an alliance, Mussolini entered into a client relationship with Berlin.
