The Anschluss (Union) - With Austria

Uniting German Speaking People - The Land of Hitler's Birth

One of Hitler's major goals had always been to unite all German-speaking people into one great nation. Austria, the land of his birth, contained the largest number of German-speaking people outside of Germany. Therefore, they became a top priority in his plans for German expansion.

Once again, he would test the resolve of the Allies and Treaty of Versailles. The Treaty had forbidden Germany and Austria to work or join together for any purpose. Hitler would have to be deceptive about uniting the two nations into one. By attempting to work inside of Austria, it would look like he had nothing to do with the operation. He began by using the Austrian Nazi party.

Under orders from Hitler, the Austrian Nazi Party began riots, burned buildings, staged street fights and, in general, caused various problems for the Austrian government. In response, the Austrian government passed a law banning the Nazi party. Hitler used this as an excuse to meet with the Austrian leader, Kurt Schuschnigg.

During the meeting, Hitler threatened to invade Austria unless all important government positions were given to members of the Nazi party. Hitler could then take over the country from within, control it from Berlin, but not threaten the terms of the Treaty of Versailles.

Schuschnigg avoided giving into Hitler's demands by declaring that the people would have to vote on joining Germany. Hitler agreed, but he did not trust the Austrians. Therefore, he moved his army to the border before the vote. Once the German Army reached the border, Hitler changed his mind and ordered the Austrians to call off the vote. He realized that there was not enough support by Austrians to join his new empire.

The Austrian government then appealed to England, France and Italy to help them from being taken over by Germany. All rejected the pleas by the Austrians. With no support from other European countries, Schuschnigg resigned, and appointed the Austrian Nazi party leader, Seyss - Inquart as his replacement.