Leslie Massey
Austria was part of Nazi Germany from 13 March 1938 until 27 April 1945, when Allied-occupied Austria declared independence from Nazi Germany. This annexation, known as the Anschluss, was the Nazi German regime's first act of territorial aggression and expansion. It was among the first major steps in Austrian-born Hitler's desire to create a Greater German Reich that was to include all ethnic Germans and all the lands and territories that the German Empire had lost after the First World War.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Annexation | 12 March 1938 |
| Number of German Troops | 25,000 |
| Public Opinion | Most Austrians supported the annexation |
| International Reaction | No punishment for violating international treaties |
| Violated Treaties | Treaty of Versailles, Treaty of Saint-Germain |
| Nazi Motivation | Desire for territorial expansion, unification of all ethnic Germans |
| Nazi Actions | Mass arrests, persecution of Jews |
| Austrian Nazi Actions | Attacks on political opponents, torchlight parades, chants, salutes to Hitler |
| Result | Austria became a federal state of Germany |
| End of Occupation | 27 April 1945 |
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What You'll Learn
Hitler's expansionist policies
Hitler, an Austrian-born himself, sought to unite all ethnic Germans and reclaim the lands lost by the German Empire after World War I. He considered the post-World War I borders unfair and illegitimate, and by annexing Austria, he violated the Treaty of Versailles and the Treaty of Saint-Germain, which explicitly prohibited the unification of Austria and Germany. The other European powers did not intervene or punish Nazi Germany for this violation, which emboldened Hitler to continue his expansionist agenda without restraint.
The occupation of Austria began in March 1938, with Hitler forcing the resignation of Austrian Chancellor Kurt von Schuschnigg and installing a pro-Nazi government led by Arthur Seyß-Inquart. German troops entered Austria on March 12, 1938, and were met with enthusiasm by large sections of the Austrian population, who supported the unification. Austria then became an integral part of the Third Reich, with many Austrians joining the Nazi Party and participating in the persecution of the country's Jewish population.
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Violation of the Treaty of Versailles
The annexation, or Anschluss, of Austria by Nazi Germany in 1938 was the first act of territorial aggression and expansion by the Nazi regime. It was also a violation of the Treaty of Versailles and the Treaty of Saint-Germain, which expressly forbade the unification of Austria and Germany.
The peace treaties that ended World War I aimed to prevent a united Germany and Austria, which European leaders feared would be too powerful. Adolf Hitler and the Nazis wanted to redraw the map of post-World War I Europe, considering the postwar international borders unfair and illegitimate. They claimed that Germans had been denied the right of self-determination and that redrawing Europe's borders would allow them to achieve their goals. Hitler had expressed his desire for an Austro-German union in his early writings and speeches, and the idea of Anschluss gained support after the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918.
The annexation of Austria was a significant breach of the post-World War I international order and demonstrated Nazi disdain for the European powers. The other European powers did not intervene or punish the Nazis for violating international treaties, which was a significant act of appeasement. This allowed Hitler to continue his expansionary policies unchecked.
The annexation was completed with the support of the Austrian Nazi Party, who occupied public buildings and offices throughout Austria. Large sections of the Austrian population were pleased to see the German troops and supported the unification. Almost overnight, the country of Austria ceased to exist, and Austrian and German Nazis carried out the Nazification of all aspects of Austrian life. The annexation of Austria was followed by the persecution of the country's Jewish population, with the active participation of many Austrians.
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Austria's support for unification
Austria's unification with Nazi Germany, known as the Anschluss, was a significant event in the lead-up to World War II. It fulfilled Hitler's desire to create a Greater German Reich, encompassing all ethnic Germans and territories lost by the German Empire after World War I. This unification was not a spontaneous decision but rather a culmination of several factors, including historical sentiments, political manoeuvring, and popular support.
Historical Context
Even before Hitler's rise to power, there was a long-standing desire for unification among some Austrians and Germans. Discussions about Austria's role in a potential German nation-state dated back to the 19th century. After World War I, when the Austro-Hungarian Empire collapsed, many Austrians felt their country would struggle economically without the lands it previously held. This sentiment fuelled hopes for unification with Germany, which was forbidden by the Treaty of Versailles and the Treaty of Saint-Germain. These treaties aimed to prevent the formation of a powerful Germany-Austria bloc.
Political Manoeuvring
Austrian Nazis played a crucial role in pushing for unification. In early 1938, they conspired to seize the Austrian government by force and unite with Nazi Germany. Austrian Chancellor Kurt von Schuschnigg, upon learning of this plot, met with Hitler to assert Austria's independence. However, he was coerced into appointing Austrian Nazis to his cabinet and eventually forced to resign. Hitler then accompanied German troops into Austria, where they were met with enthusiastic crowds. This indicated a degree of popular support for unification among Austrians.
Popular Support
Indeed, the unification of Austria and Nazi Germany received widespread backing from the Austrian population. About 700,000 Austrians, or 10% of the population, joined the Nazi Party. Additionally, over 1.3 million Austrians were drafted into the Wehrmacht between 1938 and 1945. During World War II, 950,000 Austrians fought for the Nazi German armed forces, and many others participated in the Nazi administration, including death camp personnel and senior Nazi leadership. The majority of bureaucrats implementing the Final Solution were Austrian.
Post-Unification Austria
The unification transformed Austria overnight. Austrian and German Nazis swiftly carried out the Nazification of Austrian society, with many Austrians actively participating. This included the persecution of Austria's Jewish population. However, not all Austrians supported the regime, and some even aided Jews. After World War II, Austria declared independence from Nazi Germany, and a provisional Austrian government under Karl Renner was established. The Moscow Conference of 1943 popularised the slogan "Austria – the Nazis' first victim", reflecting a desire to distance Austria from Nazi crimes and portray it as an unwilling participant.
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Hitler's Austrian heritage
Adolf Hitler was born in Braunau am Inn, Austria, in 1889. He moved to Germany in 1913, but his Austrian heritage was still a significant part of his identity and played a role in his political motivations.
Hitler's father, Alois, was a local customs official, and his mother, Klara, came from a poor peasant family. Hitler's family moved around during his early years, spending time in both Germany and Austria. He attended primary school in Fischlham, Austria, and later moved to Linz, Austria, where he attended Realschule, a secondary school. It was in Linz that Hitler began to develop German nationalist ideas, expressing loyalty only to Germany and despising the ruling Habsburg monarchy and its ethnically diverse empire.
In 1907, at the age of 18, Hitler moved to Vienna, Austria, to pursue his dream of studying art. However, he was rejected by the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts due to a lack of talent. During his time in Vienna, Hitler was exposed to the anti-Semitic politics of Mayor Karl Lueger, which would have a significant influence on his ideology. He also lived a bohemian existence, sleeping in hostels and painting postcards to support himself.
Hitler's time in Austria shaped his worldview and political ambitions. He resented the multi-ethnic composition of Austria's ruling Habsburg Empire and sought to unite Germany and Austria, redrawing the map of post-World War I Europe. This desire to unite Germany and Austria was not unique to Hitler, as discussions and debates about the potential unification of the two countries dated back to the 19th century.
In March 1938, Hitler annexed Austria, an event known as the Anschluss. This act of territorial aggression violated the Treaty of Versailles and the Treaty of Saint-Germain, which expressly forbade the unification of Austria and Germany. The annexation was met with overwhelming support from the Austrian population, with many Austrians participating enthusiastically in the Nazification of their country.
In conclusion, Hitler's Austrian heritage and his experiences living in Austria contributed to the formation of his nationalist and anti-Semitic ideology. His desire to unite Germany and Austria led to the annexation of Austria in 1938, transforming the country and solidifying its place within Nazi Germany.
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The Soviet Union's occupation
Another factor influencing the Soviet occupation was the significant Austrian contribution to Nazi war crimes. Despite this, the Soviet repressive apparatus acted with relative restraint in the first months of occupation. This restraint was partly due to Moscow's lack of full control over Austria and its peripheral location relative to the Soviet Union. The Soviets arrested 2,400 Austrians, with 1,250 prosecuted and 150 executed or given lengthy prison terms.
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Frequently asked questions
Hitler occupied Austria as part of his desire to create a Greater German Reich that would include all ethnic Germans and the territories that the German Empire had lost after World War I.
The occupation of Austria by Nazi Germany was known as the Anschluss.
The Anschluss took place in March 1938.
Austrian Nazis seized power in government buildings and dominated the streets. Hitler also ordered troops to the Austrian border, threatening a full-scale military assault. On March 11, 1938, Austrian Chancellor Kurt von Schuschnigg resigned under pressure from Hitler, and on March 12, 1938, Hitler accompanied German troops into Austria, where they were met by enthusiastic crowds.
