Anschluss
Historical Context
The term "Anschluss" refers to the annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany on March 12, 1938. This event was a significant moment in the lead-up to World War II, reflecting the aggressive expansionist policies of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime. The concept of Anschluss had roots in the desire for a Greater Germany, a notion that had been present in German and Austrian political discourse since the 19th century. The idea was particularly appealing to German nationalists who sought to unify all German-speaking peoples under one nation-state.
Pre-Anschluss Austria
After World War I, the Austro-Hungarian Empire was dismantled, leading to the creation of several independent states, including Austria. The Treaty of Saint-Germain, signed in 1919, explicitly prohibited the unification of Austria with Germany, a clause that was resented by many Austrians and Germans alike. The interwar period in Austria was marked by political instability, economic difficulties, and a struggle between different political factions, including the Social Democrats, the Christian Social Party, and the rising influence of the Austrian Nazi Party.
The Road to Annexation
The rise of the National Socialist German Workers' Party in Germany and the appointment of Adolf Hitler as Chancellor in 1933 had a profound impact on Austria. Hitler, an Austrian by birth, was committed to the idea of Anschluss and saw it as a crucial step in his broader vision for a Greater German Empire. The Austrian Nazi Party, with support from Germany, began to agitate for unification.
In 1934, an attempted coup by Austrian Nazis led to the assassination of Austrian Chancellor Engelbert Dollfuss. Although the coup failed, it demonstrated the growing influence of Nazi ideology in Austria. The Austrian government, led by Chancellor Kurt Schuschnigg, attempted to maintain independence by aligning more closely with Italy, but this strategy faltered as Italy's own political dynamics shifted.
The Anschluss of 1938
By 1938, the political landscape in Europe had changed significantly. Italy, under Benito Mussolini, had moved closer to Germany, weakening Austria's position. In February 1938, Hitler met with Schuschnigg at Berchtesgaden, where he demanded concessions that would effectively place Austria under Nazi control. Schuschnigg, under immense pressure, agreed to hold a plebiscite to let the Austrian people decide on independence.
However, Hitler was unwilling to risk a negative outcome. On March 11, 1938, German troops crossed the border into Austria, facing no resistance. The following day, Hitler announced the Anschluss, and Austria was incorporated into the Third Reich. A rigged plebiscite held on April 10, 1938, showed overwhelming support for the annexation, though the results were widely regarded as manipulated.
International Reaction
The Anschluss was met with a muted response from the international community. The League of Nations, weakened by its inability to enforce its resolutions, did not take any significant action. The United Kingdom and France, both following policies of appeasement, issued protests but did not intervene. This lack of decisive action emboldened Hitler and set a precedent for further territorial expansion, leading to the Munich Agreement and the eventual outbreak of World War II.
Impact on Austria
The Anschluss had profound implications for Austria. The country was renamed Ostmark, and its political and social institutions were rapidly Nazified. Austrian Jews, political dissidents, and other minority groups faced persecution, deportation, and extermination. The annexation also led to the integration of Austria's economy into the German war machine, contributing to the Nazi war effort.
Legacy and Historical Debate
The legacy of the Anschluss remains a contentious topic in both Austrian and German historiography. Some historians argue that the annexation was a form of liberation for Austrians who identified with German nationalism, while others emphasize the coercive and violent nature of the event. The post-war period saw Austria re-established as an independent state, and the country has since grappled with its role in the Nazi regime.