Anschluss

Definition

Anschluss refers to the political union of Austria and Germany that was officially enacted in 1938. This event marked a significant moment in the lead-up to World War II, as it represented Adolf Hitler's expansionist ambitions and his desire to unify all German-speaking peoples under one regime, challenging the post-World War I peace settlements and creating tensions in Europe.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Anschluss occurred on March 12, 1938, when German troops marched into Austria without opposition, effectively annexing the country.
2. The unification was largely supported by many Austrians who shared ethnic and cultural ties with Germany, although it was still considered a violation of international law.
3. The League of Nations condemned the Anschluss, but no significant action was taken against Germany, reflecting the weakness of international responses to Nazi aggression.
4. Following the Anschluss, Hitler used Austria as a springboard for further territorial ambitions in Europe, including the subsequent invasion of Czechoslovakia.
5. The event significantly altered the balance of power in Europe and set a precedent for further Nazi expansionism that would ultimately lead to World War II.

Review Questions

• How did the Anschluss reflect the political climate in Europe during the late 1930s?
  • The Anschluss reflected the growing tensions and instability in Europe as countries grappled with the aftermath of World War I. It highlighted the failure of the Treaty of Versailles to create lasting peace, as nationalistic sentiments surged in Germany and Austria. The lack of effective intervention from European powers showed how weak international alliances were at the time, allowing Hitler's aggressive moves to go unchecked.
• Evaluate the consequences of Anschluss on Austria's political landscape and its relationship with Germany.
  • The Anschluss had profound consequences for Austria's political landscape. It transformed Austria from an independent nation into a province of Nazi Germany, effectively erasing its sovereignty. Politically, this led to widespread purges of dissenters, persecution of Jews and other minorities, and the establishment of a totalitarian regime aligned with Nazi ideology. Austria's integration into Nazi Germany further solidified German control over Central Europe.
• Analyze how Anschluss served as a precursor to further aggression by Nazi Germany leading up to World War II.
  • Anschluss served as a crucial precursor to further Nazi aggression by demonstrating Hitler's willingness to defy international norms without facing consequences. It emboldened his expansionist policies and set a dangerous precedent that encouraged similar actions in other regions, such as Czechoslovakia. The successful annexation showcased the weaknesses in European diplomacy and provided Hitler with increased resources and strategic positioning for his subsequent invasions, ultimately contributing to the outbreak of World War II.

Related terms

Treaty of Versailles: The 1919 treaty that formally ended World War I, imposing heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany, which contributed to feelings of resentment and nationalism.

Nazi Party: The National Socialist German Workers' Party led by Adolf Hitler, which promoted aggressive nationalism, anti-Semitism, and expansionist policies during the 1920s and 1930s.

Lebensraum: The concept of 'living space' that justified German expansion into Eastern Europe, rooted in the belief that Germans were entitled to more territory for their growth and dominance.