💣european history – 1890 to 1945 review
10.1 German Expansionism and the Anschluss
Last Updated on August 1, 2024
German expansionism and the Anschluss marked a crucial turning point in pre-World War II Europe. Hitler's aggressive moves to unite German-speaking peoples under Nazi rule shattered post-WWI treaties and exposed the weaknesses of Western appeasement policies.
The annexation of Austria in 1938 showcased Nazi propaganda tactics and ideological justifications for territorial expansion. It shifted the balance of power in Europe, heightening tensions and forcing other nations to reassess their strategies in the face of growing German aggression.
Anschluss: Causes and Context
Post-World War I Treaties and Economic Factors
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- Treaty of Versailles and Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye prohibited Germany-Austria unification after World War I
- Created resentment and desire for pan-German nationalism
- Fueled revisionist sentiments in both countries
- Economic crisis of the 1930s impacted Austria's economy
- Great Depression severely weakened Austrian financial stability
- High unemployment rates (peaked at 25% in 1933)
- Increased susceptibility to German influence and promises of economic recovery
- Concept of "Großdeutschland" (Greater Germany) gained traction
- Aimed to unite all German-speaking peoples under one state
- Resonated with populations in both Germany and Austria
Political Instability and Nazi Influence in Austria
- Internal political turmoil in Austria created environment conducive to German intervention
- Rise of pro-Nazi sentiment among certain segments of the population
- Weakening of democratic institutions (dissolution of parliament in 1933)
- Assassination of Austrian Chancellor Engelbert Dollfuss in 1934
- Carried out by Nazi sympathizers during failed coup attempt
- Further destabilized Austria's political landscape
- Kurt Schuschnigg's leadership following Dollfuss
- Attempted to maintain Austrian independence through appeasement of Nazi Germany
- Failed to effectively counter growing Nazi influence within Austria
Hitler's Strategic Pressure on Austria
- Diplomatic pressure exerted by Nazi Germany on Austrian government
- Demands for inclusion of Nazi party members in Austrian cabinet
- Ultimatums threatening military intervention
- Economic coercion tactics employed by Germany
- Trade restrictions and economic sanctions against Austria
- Promises of economic benefits upon unification (access to German market)
- Threat of military force to compel Austria's acceptance of Anschluss
- Mobilization of German troops along Austrian border
- Creation of atmosphere of inevitability regarding German takeover
International Response to Anschluss
Western Powers' Appeasement and Inaction
- Britain and France characterized by policy of appeasement
- Failed to take decisive action against German aggression
- Focused on avoiding direct confrontation with Nazi Germany
- League of Nations demonstrated inability to effectively respond
- Highlighted organization's weaknesses in maintaining international order
- Lack of enforcement mechanisms for collective security
- Soviet Union's calls for collective security measures largely ignored
- Proposed alliance against German expansionism
- Western powers' distrust of Soviet motives limited cooperation
Impact on European Balance of Power
- Neighboring countries became increasingly vulnerable
- Czechoslovakia faced immediate threat due to shared border with expanded Germany
- Hungary and Yugoslavia reassessed their strategic positions
- Shift in European power dynamics resulted from Austria's incorporation
- Germany gained Austria's resources (iron ore deposits, hydroelectric power)
- Strategic position in Central Europe strengthened Nazi Germany's geopolitical influence
- Catalyst for increased military preparations among European nations
- Britain accelerated rearmament program (RAF expansion, naval modernization)
- France reinforced Maginot Line and increased military spending
Changing Perceptions of Nazi Germany
- International realization of Hitler's expansionist intentions grew
- Anschluss viewed as clear violation of Versailles Treaty
- Concerns about future German territorial ambitions intensified
- Reassessment of diplomatic strategies towards Nazi Germany
- Shift from appeasement to more cautious approach in some countries
- Increased urgency in forming alliances to counter German power
- Event shaped public opinion in democratic countries
- Increased awareness of Nazi aggression among general populations
- Growing support for stronger stance against German expansionism
Nazi Propaganda and Expansionism
Ideological Justifications for Territorial Expansion
- Concept of "Lebensraum" (living space) as fundamental Nazi ideology
- Justified need for territorial expansion to sustain German people
- Linked to ideas of racial superiority and historical destiny
- Racial theories used to legitimize annexation of German-speaking territories
- Promoted idea of uniting all ethnic Germans under one state
- Emphasized supposed racial bonds between Germans and Austrians
- Exploitation of historical and cultural ties between Germany and Austria
- Presented Anschluss as natural reunification of German people
- Emphasized shared language, culture, and historical connections (Holy Roman Empire)
Manipulation of Mass Media and Public Opinion
- Nazi regime's control and use of various media outlets
- Radio broadcasts (Volksempfänger program ensured wide radio access)
- Newspapers (control of press through Reich Press Chamber)
- Film productions (propaganda films like "Triumph of the Will")
- Orchestration of public demonstrations and plebiscites
- Created illusion of popular support for Anschluss
- Staged mass rallies in Austria before and after annexation
- Economic promises and myth of German economic superiority
- Promoted vision of prosperity under unified German economy
- Emphasized Germany's economic recovery as model for Austria
Demonization of Opponents and Exploitation of Grievances
- Portrayal of Versailles Treaty as unjust constraint on German aspirations
- Used to rally support for revisionist policies
- Tapped into existing resentment towards post-WWI settlement
- Demonization of political opponents and minority groups
- Jews portrayed as obstacles to German unity and prosperity
- Socialists and democrats labeled as threats to national strength
- Use of anti-Semitic propaganda to justify expansionist policies
- Linked supposed Jewish influence to Austria's economic troubles
- Presented Anschluss as liberation from Jewish-controlled government
Key Terms to Review (22)
Treaty of Versailles: The Treaty of Versailles was a peace agreement signed in 1919 that officially ended World War I, imposing significant penalties and territorial losses on Germany. Its terms aimed to prevent future conflicts but instead fueled nationalistic sentiments and resentment in Germany, contributing to the rise of extremism and the onset of World War II.
Anschluss: Anschluss refers to the political union of Austria and Germany that occurred in 1938 when Nazi Germany annexed Austria. This event was seen as a significant step in German expansionism and illustrated the failure of European powers to effectively respond to the growing threat of fascism during this period. It not only represented a key moment in Hitler's aggressive foreign policy but also highlighted the dynamics of appeasement as neighboring countries largely turned a blind eye to Germany's territorial ambitions.
Munich Agreement: The Munich Agreement was a settlement reached in September 1938 among Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy, permitting Nazi Germany's annexation of the Sudetenland, a region of Czechoslovakia. This agreement is often seen as a prime example of the policy of appeasement, which aimed to maintain peace in Europe by conceding to some of Hitler's demands, ultimately leading to greater aggression and conflict.
Rearmament: Rearmament refers to the process of rebuilding and expanding a nation's military capabilities, often in response to perceived threats or changes in the international landscape. This term is closely associated with the interwar period, particularly as countries like Germany sought to strengthen their military power in defiance of post-World War I treaties. The implications of rearmament were significant, influencing the policies of appeasement and the responses of other European nations to the rise of fascism.
Appeasement: Appeasement is the diplomatic policy of making concessions to an aggressor in order to maintain peace and stability. This approach is often associated with the pre-World War II strategies of European powers who sought to prevent conflict by allowing aggressive actions, particularly by fascist states like Germany and Italy, to go unchallenged. While it aimed to avoid war, appeasement is criticized for enabling further aggression and ultimately contributing to the outbreak of World War II.
National Socialism: National Socialism, or Nazism, was a totalitarian ideology and political movement led by Adolf Hitler in Germany, characterized by extreme nationalism, racism, and the belief in the superiority of the Aryan race. This ideology emerged during the turbulent period of the Weimar Republic and was pivotal in shaping Germany's aggressive expansionist policies in the years leading up to World War II.
Totalitarianism: Totalitarianism is a political system where the state recognizes no limits to its authority and seeks to regulate every aspect of public and private life. This system often emerges during periods of crisis, leading to the establishment of a single-party rule that suppresses opposition and controls the economy, media, education, and culture to maintain power and create a unified national identity.
Großdeutschland: Großdeutschland, or 'Greater Germany,' refers to the political and nationalistic idea of unifying all German-speaking peoples and territories into a single nation-state. This concept emerged during the 19th century, particularly in the context of German nationalism, and was central to the ambitions of the German Empire in the early 20th century, driving expansionist policies and aspirations for unification through the annexation of Austria and other regions with ethnic German populations.
Imperialism: Imperialism is the policy or ideology of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means. It involves the domination of one nation over another, often justified by economic interests, national prestige, or cultural superiority. This concept is crucial for understanding the ambitions of various European nations in their quest for territory and resources, as well as the alliances formed to balance power and maintain control in a competitive international landscape.
Engelbert Dollfuss: Engelbert Dollfuss was an Austrian politician who served as Chancellor of Austria from 1932 until his assassination in 1934. His leadership was marked by efforts to establish an authoritarian regime and counter the rising influence of Nazi Germany, which aimed for the unification of Austria with Germany, known as the Anschluss.
Economic depression: An economic depression is a prolonged period of significant decline in economic activity, characterized by high unemployment, falling GDP, and reduced consumer spending. During the early 20th century, economic depression profoundly impacted political and social dynamics, influencing the rise of totalitarian regimes and aggressive expansionist policies in various countries.
Operation Barbarossa: Operation Barbarossa was the code name for Nazi Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union, which began on June 22, 1941. This operation marked a critical turning point in World War II as it aimed to conquer the Soviet territories and eliminate communism, ultimately leading to a brutal and prolonged conflict on the Eastern Front.
Austria: Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, known for its rich cultural history and significant political influence during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was a central part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which played a crucial role in the dynamics of European politics, particularly regarding nationalism and the tensions leading up to World War I. The country's complex relationship with Germany also set the stage for later events like the Anschluss.
Konrad Henlein: Konrad Henlein was a Sudeten German politician who played a crucial role in advocating for the rights of ethnic Germans in Czechoslovakia during the interwar period. He led the Sudeten German Party (SdP), which aimed to promote German nationalism and sought greater autonomy for the Sudetenland, an area with a significant German-speaking population. Henlein's activities were closely aligned with Nazi Germany's expansionist policies, which ultimately contributed to the annexation of Czechoslovakia by Germany.
Blitzkrieg: Blitzkrieg, meaning 'lightning war' in German, refers to a military strategy employed by the Nazis during World War II characterized by fast-moving and coordinated attacks using infantry, tanks, and air support. This approach aimed to quickly overwhelm the enemy, leading to rapid victories and minimizing prolonged combat.
Kurt Schuschnigg: Kurt Schuschnigg was an Austrian politician who served as Chancellor of Austria from 1934 to 1938, known for his opposition to Nazi Germany and attempts to maintain Austrian independence. His leadership was marked by efforts to preserve Austria's sovereignty amid rising German expansionism and the eventual push for the Anschluss, or annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany.
Locarno Treaties: The Locarno Treaties were a series of agreements signed in 1925 aimed at securing post-World War I territorial settlements and promoting peace in Western Europe. These treaties were significant as they established Germany's western borders with France and Belgium, which Germany promised to respect, thereby easing tensions and fostering a sense of security in the region. The agreements were perceived as a diplomatic success and laid the groundwork for future cooperation but ultimately failed to prevent rising German expansionism and tensions leading up to World War II.
Pan-Germanism: Pan-Germanism is a nationalist ideology that promotes the unity and solidarity of all German-speaking peoples across Europe, advocating for their political and cultural unification. This concept emerged in the 19th century as a response to the fragmentation of German territories and the influence of neighboring countries, seeking to bring together various German states and ethnic groups into a single nation-state. It played a crucial role in shaping the expansionist policies of Germany, particularly during the early 20th century and under Nazi rule.
Great Depression: The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic downturn that began in 1929 and lasted throughout the 1930s, marked by widespread unemployment, plummeting production, and significant declines in consumer spending. This crisis had profound impacts on societies and economies, influencing political ideologies, social structures, and cultural changes across Europe.
Czechoslovakia: Czechoslovakia was a country in Central Europe that existed from 1918 until its peaceful dissolution into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993. It emerged after World War I, partly due to the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and became significant in the context of European politics, particularly during the interwar period and the rise of German expansionism.
Lebensraum: Lebensraum, which translates to 'living space' in German, refers to the Nazi ideological belief that the German people needed more territory for their growth and development, especially in Eastern Europe. This concept was rooted in a mix of nationalism, racial superiority, and militarism, as it justified aggressive expansionism and the displacement of other populations deemed inferior.
Adolf Hitler: Adolf Hitler was the leader of the National Socialist German Workers' Party (Nazi Party) and the Chancellor of Germany from 1933 to 1945. He is known for establishing a totalitarian regime, promoting aggressive nationalism, and implementing policies that led to World War II and the Holocaust, making him a central figure in 20th-century European history.