What happened in Austria 1938?

On March 12, 1938, German troops marched into Austria, and the country was annexed by Germany. This event is known as the Anschluss, and it marked the beginning of the Nazis' expansionist policies that would eventually lead to World War II.

Background to the Anschluss

The Anschluss had been in the planning stages for several years. After Hitler came to power in Germany in 1933, he began to rearm the country and pursue a policy of territorial expansion. Austria was seen as a natural target for annexation, as it was a German-speaking country with a large population of ethnic Germans.

In 1936, Hitler met with Austrian Chancellor Kurt Schuschnigg and pressured him to allow the Nazi Party to participate in the Austrian government. Schuschnigg reluctantly agreed, but the Nazis soon began to demand more concessions. In February 1938, Hitler threatened to invade Austria if Schuschnigg did not resign and allow a Nazi government to be formed.

The Invasion of Austria

On March 12, 1938, German troops crossed the Austrian border and quickly occupied the country. Schuschnigg resigned, and a Nazi government was installed. The Anschluss was met with widespread rejoicing in Germany, but it also caused alarm in other countries, particularly France and Great Britain.

The Implications of the Anschluss

The Anschluss was a major turning point in European history. It marked the end of Austria's independence and the beginning of Hitler's campaign of territorial expansion. The annexation of Austria also emboldened Hitler and made him more confident that he could achieve his goals without facing serious resistance from the other European powers.

The Anschluss had a number of important implications for the outbreak of World War II. It led to the alienation of Czechoslovakia and Poland, two countries that were later invaded by Germany. It also strengthened Hitler's position within Germany and gave him the momentum to continue his aggressive policies.

The Anschluss was a clear warning that Hitler was determined to expand Germany's borders and that he was willing to use force to achieve his goals. It was a major factor in the outbreak of World War II, and it remains one of the most significant events in European history.