Anschluss

Definition

Anschluss refers to the annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany in March 1938, which was a significant event in the lead-up to World War II. This act was motivated by a combination of nationalist sentiment and the desire for territorial expansion under Adolf Hitler's regime, aiming to unite all German-speaking peoples into a greater German Empire. The Anschluss showcased the aggressive expansionist policies of Nazi Germany and highlighted the international community's inability to effectively respond to such acts of aggression at that time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Anschluss was largely welcomed by many Austrians who felt a shared ethnic identity with Germany, seeing it as a unification rather than an invasion.
2. Nazi propaganda portrayed the annexation as a restoration of rightful German territory, leveraging emotional appeals to nationalist sentiment.
3. The international response to the Anschluss was muted, with major powers like Britain and France opting not to intervene or take military action.
4. Following the Anschluss, the Nazi regime quickly began to implement oppressive measures against Jews and political dissidents in Austria.
5. The successful annexation of Austria emboldened Hitler and set a precedent for further aggressive actions in Europe, ultimately contributing to the outbreak of World War II.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of nationalism influence the events surrounding the Anschluss?
  • Nationalism played a crucial role in the events leading up to the Anschluss, as both Austrian and German nationalists sought unification based on shared ethnic identity. Many Austrians identified as ethnically German and desired connection with Germany. This shared sentiment was exploited by Nazi propaganda, which framed the annexation as a natural and justifiable union, thus rallying support among the populace for Hitler's expansionist aims.
• Evaluate the international reactions to the Anschluss and how they reflected broader trends in European diplomacy during the late 1930s.
  • The international reactions to the Anschluss were characterized by a policy of appeasement from Britain and France, which chose not to challenge Hitler's aggressive moves in Austria. This response illustrated broader trends in European diplomacy during the late 1930s, where leaders hoped that yielding to some of Hitler's demands would prevent larger conflicts. However, this failure to confront aggression only encouraged further expansion by Nazi Germany, revealing weaknesses in collective security efforts at that time.
• Discuss the long-term implications of the Anschluss on European political dynamics leading up to World War II.
  • The Anschluss had significant long-term implications for European political dynamics as it marked a turning point that emboldened Nazi Germany's ambitions in Europe. By successfully annexing Austria without facing substantial opposition, Hitler gained confidence to pursue further territorial expansion. This set off a chain reaction where other nations feared similar aggression, leading to increasing tensions and a climate ripe for conflict. Ultimately, these actions contributed directly to the outbreak of World War II as alliances shifted and nations scrambled to respond to growing threats.

Related terms

Treaty of Versailles:

The treaty that ended World War I, imposing heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany, which fueled resentment and nationalism among Germans.

Lebensraum: The concept of 'living space' that drove Nazi ideology, advocating for the expansion of German territory to provide more land for its growing population.

Munich Agreement:

A settlement reached in 1938 that allowed Nazi Germany to annex portions of Czechoslovakia, reflecting the policy of appeasement by European powers towards Hitler's territorial ambitions.