What were the reasons for the Anschluss?

The reason for the Anschluss was that Adolf Hitler wanted to create a Greater Germany which included all German speakers. Austria's raw materials, currency reserves, and strategic position were additional reasons for Nazi Germany to absorb Austria.

What factors allowed the Anschluss?

The main factors that allowed the peaceful Anschluss of 1938 were Hitler's threat of a military attack, Mussolini's withdrawal of support for Austrian independence, Austria's lack of a modern army, and the lack of response from the international community.

Anschluss of Austria Timeline

Definition

The Anschluss ('fusion') of 12 March 1938 was the annexation and formal union of Austria with Germany. Adolf Hitler (1889-1945), the Nazi leader of Germany, dreamed of an empire which enclosed all German speakers, his 'Greater Germany'. Hitler's military invasion met no resistance or meaningful response from foreign powers, and so Austria was absorbed into the Third Reich.

More about: Anschluss

Timeline

21 Mar 1935
Adolf Hitler publicly declares Germany has no intention of establishing a union with Austria.
11 Jul 1936
The German-Austrian agreement guarantees Austrian independence.
12 Feb 1938
Adolf Hitler pressures the Austrian chancellor Kurt von Schuschnigg to include Nazi ministers in his government.
9 Mar 1938
The Chancellor of Austria Kurt von Schuschnigg announces a referendum on Austrian independence for 13 March.
12 Mar 1938
German troops march into Austria and, unopposed, the Anschluss is established.
14 Mar 1938
Austrian armed forces members must swear an oath of allegiance to Adolf Hitler.
17 Mar 1938
Austrian civil servants must swear an oath of loyalty to Adolf Hitler.
10 Apr 1938
In a Nazi-rigged plebiscite in Austria, 99% of the voters endorse the Anschluss.

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