Ruqayyah Snyder
The German annexation of Austria in 1938, known as the Anschluss, was supported by a large portion of the Austrian population. This support can be attributed to several factors, including economic instability, political infighting, and the appeal of Hitler's ideology. Hitler's popularity in Germany increased support for the Austrian Nazi Party, and many Austrians hoped for improved economic conditions and an end to the so-called Jewish Question. However, it is important to note that not all Austrians supported the annexation, and the true number of supporters is unknown.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hitler's popularity in Germany | High |
| Civil war in Austria | Ongoing |
| Political violence and instability in Austria | High |
| Economic pressure from Germany | High |
| Austrian support for Hitler's economic achievements | High |
| Austrian desire for improved material conditions | High |
| Austrian antisemitism | High |
| Austrian support for Hitler's suppression of opposition | High |
| Austrian relief at avoiding bloodshed | High |
| Austrian sense of satisfaction at overcoming the humiliation of 1918 | High |
| Austrian support for Hitler from the Catholic Church | High |
| Austrian support for Hitler from the Austrian working class | High |
| Austrian support for Hitler from Austrian socialist politician Karl Renner | High |
| Austrian support for Hitler from Austrian bishops | High |
| Austrian support for Hitler from Cardinal Theodor Innitzer | High |
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What You'll Learn
Hitler's popularity in Germany increased support for him in Austria
Hitler's popularity in Germany played a significant role in increasing support for him in Austria, as his rising status in Germany influenced Austrians' perceptions and decisions. Here are some key factors that contributed to this:
Hitler's Growing Influence in Germany
Hitler's increasing popularity and power in Germany attracted attention and support from Austrians. By 1931, a significant portion of Austrian Nazis recognised Hitler as their leader. When Hitler became the German chancellor in 1933, his influence in Austria became even more pronounced. This period was marked by political instability and infighting in Austria, and Hitler's rising star in Germany offered what many Austrians saw as a promising alternative.
Economic Factors
Hitler's economic achievements in Germany did not go unnoticed by Austrians. Many Austrians hoped for similar improvements in their own country and believed that a union with Germany would bring about positive economic changes. This was especially appealing given the economic pressure Austria had faced in previous years.
Wartime Solidarity and Avoidance of Bloodshed
The presence of well-equipped German soldiers in Austria evoked a sense of wartime solidarity among Austrians. It reminded them of past collaborations and offered a sense of satisfaction that the humiliations of 1918 could be overcome. Additionally, the peaceful annexation of Austria, without bloodshed, was a relief to many Austrians, who feared a violent conflict.
Propaganda and Public Opinion
Hitler's popularity in Germany was bolstered by effective propaganda, which then influenced Austrian perceptions. Newsreels, newspapers, and speeches celebrated Hitler's accomplishments and Germany's successes. This propaganda machine helped shape public opinion, both within Germany and in Austria, creating a sense of desirability around a union between the two countries.
Support from Austrian Institutions and Leaders
As Hitler's popularity in Germany grew, he gained the support of influential Austrian institutions and leaders. This included figures such as Cardinal Theodor Innitzer and Karl Renner, an Austrian socialist politician. Their endorsement of Hitler and the potential union carried weight and likely influenced the opinions of many Austrians.
It is important to note that while Hitler's popularity in Germany was a significant factor, other factors also contributed to his increasing support in Austria, including the suppression of opposition, the previous political instability in Austria, and the appeal of nationalist sentiments.
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Austrians hoped for economic improvement under Hitler
The German annexation of Austria, known as the Anschluss, was met with overwhelming support from the Austrian population. While the majority of Austrians were not Nazis, popular support for Germany's wartime policies remained strong until the later phases of World War II.
One reason for this support was the hope for economic improvement under Hitler. Austrians were aware of Hitler's economic achievements in Germany, and they believed that a union with Germany would bring about a similar improvement in their own material conditions. This hope for economic prosperity under Nazi rule may have been a significant factor in the high levels of support for the Anschluss among Austrians.
Hitler's economic policies in Germany had been successful in reducing unemployment and stimulating economic growth. Austrians, facing economic challenges and instability in their own country, saw Hitler as a leader who could bring about positive economic change. The years leading up to the Anschluss had been marked by civil war and political infighting in Austria, which likely contributed to a desire for stability and economic improvement.
Furthermore, Germany had exerted economic pressure on Austria prior to the annexation. For example, a "thousand-mark tax" was imposed on Austrians who wanted to holiday in Germany. This may have created a sense of economic hardship among Austrians and made the prospect of improved economic conditions under Hitler even more appealing.
It is important to note that the true extent of support for the Anschluss among Austrians is difficult to determine. Hitler invaded and occupied Austria before the referendum was held, and he suppressed all opposition. The official vote recorded more than 99% in favour of the union with Germany, but this may not accurately reflect the sentiments of the entire Austrian population.
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Hitler's suppression of opposition limited resistance
Hitler's suppression of opposition began as soon as he became chancellor in 1933. On February 27, 1933, the Reichstag fire destroyed the main chamber of the German parliament building. Hitler blamed the fire on the Communists, declaring, "This is a God-given signal! If this fire, as I believe, turns out to be the handiwork of Communists, then there is nothing that shall stop us now from crushing out this murderous pest with an iron fist." Marinus van der Lubbe, a Dutch communist, confessed to setting the fire but maintained he had acted alone. Hitler used the fire as a pretext to issue emergency decrees that suspended the constitution and authorized the arrest of anyone with ties to the Communist Party. Within days, 4,000 Communists and their leaders were imprisoned, and by the end of the summer, more than 100,000 Communists, Social Democrats, union officials, and other "radicals" were behind bars.
Hitler also used propaganda and the control of the press and radio to suppress opposition. In Germany, the Nazis unleashed attacks on their political opposition, particularly the Communists, and used the controlled media to campaign for a "Yes" vote during the annexation referendum. Similarly, in Austria, Hitler celebrated the Anschluss as the fulfillment of the German people's destiny, giving a triumphant speech in Vienna's Heldenplatz square that was featured in German newsreels and newspapers. The goal was to demonstrate Austrian enthusiasm for the annexation and justify the illegal takeover. The Nazis also co-opted Austrian institutions and leaders, including the Austrian working class and the Catholic Church, to support the vote.
Hitler's suppression of opposition extended beyond Germany's borders. In Austria, he ordered troops to the Austrian border, threatening a full-scale military assault to support the National Socialists. He also invaded and occupied Austria before the annexation referendum, using military force to ensure a favorable outcome. Hitler's suppression of opposition effectively limited resistance, as potential resisters recognized the impossibility of open political resistance in the face of the regime's successive triumphs and the sensitivity to public, collective protests.
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Austria's political instability and infighting weakened resistance
Austria's political instability was also influenced by the broader context of nationalism and separatism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Empire was fracturing under pressure from separatist factions, and held on to power through a mix of military force and political concessions. The German-speaking portion of the Empire, which later became Austria, had the highest status and profited the most, so there was little incentive to define "Austria" as a distinct national political idea. As a result, even into the 20th century, Austria remained more of an administrative centre for a multiethnic realm than a unified nation.
The Austrian resistance to Nazi Germany was small but not negligible. It was hampered by the deep political divide that had weakened the First Republic of Austria between the two World Wars. This divide prevented cooperation between Austrian émigrés and resistance groups inside the country. The resistance was dominated by left-wing groups, mostly communists, with smaller numbers of socialists, Christian Socialists, and monarchists. Tens of thousands of Austrians were arrested for political reasons during the war, and many died in concentration camps or prisons, with about 2,700 executed. Additionally, a number of Austrians fought as Allied soldiers against the German army.
The Austrian political landscape was also influenced by the activities of Nazi sympathisers within the country. These included individuals such as Taras Borodajkewycz, Edmund Glaise-Horstenau, Franz Langoth, Walther Pembauer, and Arthur Seyß-Inquart. The support of these individuals, along with the Austrian Nazi Party, helped to create a favourable environment for Hitler's agenda.
Furthermore, the British government made it known that it would not oppose the union of Austria with Germany, and other world leaders remained silent, indicating that Austria was not worth fighting for. This lack of international support further weakened any potential resistance to Hitler's annexation of Austria.
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Hitler's speeches and propaganda influenced Austrian support
Hitler's speeches were a key tool in gaining support for the Anschluss. On March 15, 1938, Hitler gave a speech in Vienna's Heldenplatz to a large crowd, celebrating the annexation of Austria. This speech was featured in German newsreels and newspapers, demonstrating Austrian enthusiasm for the union and justifying the illegal takeover. Hitler's speeches were also a tool of reassurance; in May 1935, he declared to the Reichstag that Germany had no intention of interfering in Austria's internal affairs or annexing the country. This speech was likely aimed at easing tensions with Austria and the international community.
Propaganda was also a significant factor in influencing Austrian support. The Nazis celebrated the Anschluss as the fulfillment of the German people's destiny, glorifying it through propaganda events. The April 10 plebiscite, which recorded a vote of over 99% in favour of Hitler, was an opportunity for the Nazis to utilise propaganda. They co-opted and mobilized various Austrian institutions and leaders, including the Austrian working class and the Catholic Church, to support the vote. The Nazis also employed controlled press and radio to campaign for a "Yes" vote for the reunion of Germany and Austria.
Hitler's speeches and propaganda played a crucial role in shaping Austrian support for the Anschluss. However, it is important to note that not all Austrians supported the annexation, and the true number of supporters is difficult to determine. The deep political divide in Austria, characterised by infighting and violence, also contributed to the complex dynamics of support and resistance.
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Frequently asked questions
Austrians had varying levels of support for Hitler. While the great majority of Austrians were not Nazis, popular support for Germany’s wartime policies remained strong until the later phases of the war. Here are some reasons why Austrians supported Hitler:
- Austrians were relieved that bloodshed had been avoided.
- Austrians hoped for a dramatic improvement in their everyday lives.
- Austrians wanted to put an end to the Jewish Question.
- Austrians were proud nationalists and wanted to unify with Germany.
- Austrians were attracted to Hitler's economic achievements in Germany.
The Anschluss was Nazi Germany's annexation of Austria in 1938.
Hitler gained support from Austrians by exploiting the political instability in Austria and leveraging his popularity in Germany. He also made use of propaganda and speeches to gain support.
No, not all Austrians supported Hitler. There was a significant Austrian resistance movement, and many Austrians fought as Allied soldiers against the German army. Additionally, the true number of Anschluss supporters will probably never be known as Hitler invaded and occupied Austria before the referendum was held, and he viciously suppressed all opposition.
The Anschluss resulted in the absorption of Austria into Germany, with any official memory of Austrian existence being destroyed and suppressed. Austria was renamed Ostmark, and Upper and Lower Austria became Upper and Lower Danube. The Nazis also arrested and exiled many leaders of anti-Nazi Austrian political parties, particularly communists and socialists.
