Takeover of Austria March 1938

Introduction Not a ‘victim’ anymore, new confidence - Austro-Germany Agreement, July Spanish Civil War, July, Rome-Berlin Axis, November “the time for so-called surprises has ended”, January, 1937 Hossbach Conference, 5 th November 1937

Hossbach Meeting between Hitler, War Ministers & Chiefs of Army, Navy & Air Force Named after man who took notes (minutes) Known as Hossbach Memorandum - indicated opportunities for action by Germany concerning Austria, Czech & Poland “Germany must be ready for war by 1938 and at the latest by ” –Plans for war? Historians debate whether grand plan/opportunities

major gains Anschluss Position to take part of then all of Czechoslovakia

Background to Austria Austria-Hungary & Germany historically great empires Dual Alliance of 1879 – 1 st step towards union? Creation of ‘superstate’ a Greater German Empire to include all German-speakers (remember Pan Germans) When Central Powers defeated in 1918, Germans & Austrians treated differently - Germany heavily punished - Austria spared outwith a reduction in size and all empire taken with new independent states created Left under care of Italy Article 80 ToV: union forbidden

Failed attempt Hitler’s views created hope that united Germany would once again be possible Austrian Nazis so convinced attempted coup by causing havoc and murdering Chancellor Dollfuss Hitler realised time not right so backed off Over next four years patience rewarded –Italy involved elsewhere ie. Abyssinia, Spanish Civil War –Days of Mussolini ordering Hitler about over –Other great powers showed no interest in sticking up for tiny independent Austrian state –By 1936, Austria falling more under Germany’s influence

Race & ‘German-ness’ Chief reasons for Hitler’s interest in union Hitler Austrian by birth – sense of destiny? Geographic factors: control of Danube river basin, railway access to Balkans, surrounding of Czechoslovakia Military/Economic factors: offers access to resources, gold reserves

Circumstances of Take-over February – March 1938 New Chancellor: Kurt von Schuschnigg Problems of social, economic unrest inside Austria Due to constant agitation banning of several political parties including Nazis Did not stop Austrian Nazis from campaign of disrupting orderly government through bomb attacks and mass demonstrations De-stabilising campaign may not have been ordered from Berlin but made it hard for Schuschnigg to govern effectively

David Low, Evening Standard, 18 Feb 1938 There are echoes of the origins of the First world War in this cartoon, with a distant event triggering off a war. However, Low is arguing the exact opposite view, that Britain and France should act over Austria even though it seems distant. Low argues that if the Nazi war machine is allowed to take Austria, it will take over every neighbouring state one by one. France seems to be prepared to act but not without Britain. Chamberlain is clear that he feels the issue is not his business. It is interesting to note that Chamberlain looks quite dashing in this image, compared to the bumbling character Low draws him as in later pieces.

Continuing events leading to Anschluss By Feb 1938 Schuschnigg let it be known that he wanted to see Hitler to get Nazi party under control in Austria Hitler saw as opportunity to ‘push’ harder over Austria Summoned Schuschnigg to Berghof at Berchtesgaden, Hitler’s summer retreat in the German Alps on Feb 12 th Went as ‘injured party’ wanting to complain – instead was treated to display of temper and verbal aggression/threats “I only have to give an order and in one single night all your ridiculous defences will be blown to bits”

Demands Lifting of ban on Austrian Nazi Party Appointment of 3 top Austrian Nazis to lead important ministries in Schuschnigg’s government Stronger economic and military links between Germany & Austria –An end to independent Austria –Bullied into submission

Change of Mind? Schuschnigg changed his mind on 9 th March 1938 Planned to ask Austrian people to vote on whether they wanted to remain independent or support a union with Germany Plebiscite to take place 12 th March in open defiance of Hitler who was outraged Hitler made more demands

Demands 1.Cancellation of plebiscite 2.Resignation of Schuschnigg 3.Appointment of Seyss-Inquart as Chancellor of Austria Austrian government realised no-one to turn to and gave way Seyss-Inquart appointed – 1 st act to send telegram to Berlin asking for German help to ‘restore law and order’

Hitler visited on 12 th March and was so pleased with welcome decided on full Anschluss rather than controlling Austria as a satellite state – troops marched in! 13 th March : New Austrian government passed law stating Austria now part of German Reich On 10 th April Austrian people asked to ratify this new arrangement 99% voted in favour – genuine or pressurised

David Low Evening Standard 12th April 1938