Anschluss

Anschluss Heldenplatz1

Anschluss (German: "connection" or "union") refers to the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany in March 1938. This event marked a pivotal moment in the history of Europe leading up to World War II, as it was a clear violation of the Treaty of Versailles and the St. Germain Treaty, which prohibited the unification of Austria and Germany. The Anschluss is often seen as a testament to the aggressive expansionist policies of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party, and it played a crucial role in the destabilization of the European balance of power.

Background

The idea of a union between Germany and Austria was not a new concept, with roots stretching back to the unification of Germany in the 19th century. However, the victorious Allied powers of World War I explicitly prohibited such a union in the treaties that followed the war. Despite this, the concept of "Anschluss" remained popular among Austrians and Germans alike, many of whom shared linguistic, cultural, and historical bonds.

In the early 1930s, the political and economic situation in Austria was unstable. The Great Depression had hit the country hard, and there was significant support for nationalism and a union with Germany. The Austrian government, however, was opposed to such a move, fearing the loss of sovereignty and the potential for conflict with its neighbors and the Allies.

The Anschluss

In 1938, the pressure from Nazi Germany increased. Hitler, who was born in Austria, saw the annexation of Austria as a natural and essential step towards the realization of his plans for a greater German Reich. In February 1938, Hitler met with the Austrian Chancellor Kurt Schuschnigg, pressuring him to lift the ban on the Nazi Party in Austria and to appoint Nazis to key positions in the government. Schuschnigg attempted to resist these demands by calling for a plebiscite on Austrian independence, but under the threat of invasion, he resigned on March 11, 1938.

The next day, German troops crossed into Austria, meeting no resistance. The event was portrayed by Nazi propaganda as a peaceful liberation, and a plebiscite held a month later showed overwhelming support for the annexation, though the fairness of this vote has been widely questioned.

Consequences

The Anschluss had significant implications for Europe. It was a clear breach of the post-World War I treaties and demonstrated the ineffectiveness of the League of Nations in maintaining peace. It also emboldened Hitler, showing him that he could expand German territory without facing significant opposition. This encouraged further aggression, leading to the annexation of the Sudetenland and eventually the invasion of Poland, which sparked World War II.

For Austria, the Anschluss meant the end of its independence and the beginning of harsh Nazi rule. Many Austrians supported the union, but there was also significant resistance and persecution, particularly of the Jewish community, which faced immediate and brutal repression.

Legacy

The Anschluss is remembered as a dark chapter in Austrian and European history. After World War II, Austria was reestablished as an independent country, and in 1955, it declared its perpetual neutrality, partly in response to the events of 1938. The Anschluss has been the subject of much historical debate and analysis, particularly regarding the extent of support for the Nazi regime among the Austrian population.