Hitler annexes austria History e-magazine Issue 05 An Ovi Publication 2025 Ovi Publications - All material is copyright of the Ovi & Ovi Thematic/History Magazines Publications C Ovi Thematic/History Magazines are available in Ovi/Ovi ThematicMagazines and OviPedia pages in all forms PDF/ePub/mobi, and they are always FREE. If somebody tries to sell you an Ovi Thematic or Ovi History Magazine please contact us immediately. For details, contact: ovimagazine@yahoo.com No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), without the prior permission of the writer or the above publisher of this magazine O n 12 March 1938, the world awoke to one of the most chilling chapters of 20th-century history. Adolf Hitler, in a sweeping act of aggression, annexed Austria in what became known as the Anschluss. This event, seen by some at the time as a mere “unification,” was in reality a ruthless power grab, setting the stage for greater horrors that would soon engulf Europe. Now, in 2025, history appears to be repeating itself... different players, different lands, but the same imperial ambitions. Russia’s ongoing encroachment into Ukraine bears an eerie resemblance to Germany’s expansionist policies of the 1930s. The gradual absorption of Ukrainian territories under the guise of “historical ties” and “security concerns” mimics the rhetoric Hitler employed to justify the annexation of Austria and, later, the Sudetenland. Just as the Western powers hesitated in 1938, torn between diplomatic caution and outright confrontation, today’s geopolitical landscape is marked by indecision and hollow condemnations that fail to deter further aggression. Yet, in an unexpected twist, the irony of history extends beyond Russia’s actions. The United States, the bastion of democratic ideals and self-determination, now finds itself at the center of its own controversy. Whispers of American expansionism, with threats to annex Canada and Greenland, sound alarm bells reminiscent of past imperialistic ventures. Whether these threats are rhetorical or genuine, the very suggestion shakes the foundations of the international order. Just as Austria in 1938 had those who welcomed editorial German annexation, modern-day debates in certain factions of Canadian and Greenlandic society mirror that historical paradox where fear, economic incentives, or ideological alignment blur the lines between consent and coercion. What makes these parallels more disturbing is not merely the recurrence of annexationist policies but the individuals at the helm. In 1938, Hitler’s rise was fuelled by nationalism, economic discontent, and a populist wave that dismissed established norms. Today’s leaders, whether in Moscow, Washington, or elsewhere, exhibit similar tendencies: consolidating power, manipulating narratives, and bending historical grievances to serve their political ambitions. The 21st century was supposed to have learned from the errors of the past, yet the ghosts of 1938 loom larger than ever. If history teaches us anything, it is that appeasement and inaction enable aggression. The world’s reluctance to challenge Hitler in 1938 led to the devastation of World War II. Today, global leaders face a defining moment, will they stand firm against expansionist ambitions, or will they once again allow history to take its dark and familiar course? The echoes of Anschluss still reverberate. Whether we choose to listen and act is the true test of our time. In my very first editorial in the first issue of Ovi history I wrote: “by studying the past, we can better understand the present and shape the future. We hope that our magazine will inspire readers to think critically about the world around them and to work towards building a more just and equitable society.” Standing by the same principals, please do read this historic chronicle Thanos Kalamidas StorieS and narrativeS from time paSt https://ovipeadia.wordpress.com/ https://realovi.wordpress.com/ The Ovi history eMagazine Hitler annexes austria March 2025 Editor: T. Kalamidas Contact ovimagazine@ yahoo.com Issue 5 Known as the ‘An- schluss’, Hitler’s political union of Austria achieved through annexation began on 12 March 1938, and was com- pleted just one day later. Afterwards, Austria was declared an official part of the Third Reich. contents Ovi Thematic/History eMagazines Publications 2025 Editorial 3 Hitler annexes Austria The road to annexation 9 12 March 1938; Hitler annexes Austria 13 Anschluss, the bloodless invasion 15 The first missed opportunity to stop Hitler 21 The dream of a Greater Germany 27 Anschluss, the beginning of persecution 33 How the Anschluss changed Europe’s balance of power 39 Selling unification to the masses 45 Austria’s role in Nazi Germany 49 Echoes of the Anschluss today 53 Austria’s Memory 57 March in history 63 The road to annexation t he annexation of Austria by Nazi Germa- ny on March 12, 1938, marked a pivotal moment in European history. This event, known as the Anschluss, was the culmination of Adolf Hitler’s long-standing ambition to unite Germany and Austria under one Reich. While the annexation was swift and met with little military resistance, it was not an abrupt development. Instead, it was the result of years of political instability, economic hardship, Nazi propaganda, and international inaction. This article explores the key factors leading up to the Anschluss, shedding light on how Austria ultimately fell to Nazi Germany. Adolf Hitler, born in Austria in 1889, had long har- bored the belief that Austria and Germany should be one nation. His vision of a Großdeutschland (Great- er Germany) included unifying all German-speaking peoples under one rule. In his book Mein Kampf, written in the 1920s, Hitler explicitly stated his desire to annex Austria, considering it a natural extension of Germany. This idea was not unique to Hitler; Pan-German- ist sentiments had existed in Austria since the 19th century. However, the Treaty of Versailles (1919) and the Treaty of St. Germain (1919) explicitly forbade Austria from uniting with Germany after World War I. Despite this re- striction, many Austrians, dis- illusioned with their struggling nation, supported the idea of union with Germany, especially as the economic crisis deepened in the 1930s. Austria in the interwar peri- od was marked by political tur- moil and economic hardship. The country had a weak de- mocracy, and political violence between left-wing and right- wing factions destabilized the government. In 1933, Austrian Chancellor Engelbert Dollfuss dissolved parliament and estab- lished an authoritarian regime to curb the rising influence of the Austrian Nazi Party (NS- DAP), which sought unification with Germany. Dollfuss’s regime banned Nazi activities, leading to ten- sions with Hitler’s Germany. In 1934, Austrian Nazis attempted a coup, assassinating Dollfuss in the process. However, the coup failed, and the new Austrian Chancellor, Kurt Schuschnigg, maintained Austria’s indepen- dence while trying to suppress Nazi influence. Schuschnigg’s government leaned on Italy’s Benito Mussolini for support, but by 1936, Mussolini had grown closer to Hitler, leaving Austria increasingly isolated. The Nazi regime used exten- sive propaganda to stir unrest in Austria. Pro-Nazi factions spread Hitler’s message through newspapers, radio broadcasts, and public demonstrations. The Austrian Nazi Party, though of- ficially banned, remained active underground, instigating riots and acts of political violence. Hitler’s government also pres- sured Austrian leaders diplo- matically, demanding greater influence over Austria’s political affairs. By early 1938, Hitler escalat- ed his demands, insisting that Austria accept more pro-Na- zi officials in its government. Schuschnigg, hoping to counter this pressure, planned a referen- dum for March 13, 1938, allow- ing Austrians to vote on main- taining their independence. Fearing a potential rejection of the Anschluss, Hitler refused to let the vote take place. On March 11, 1938, under intense pressure, Schuschnigg resigned, handing power to Ar- thur Seyss-Inquart, a Nazi sym- pathizer. That same evening, Hitler ordered German troops to march into Austria. The fol- lowing day, March 12, 1938, German forces entered without resistance, greeted by crowds cheering in the streets. Two days later, on March 14, Hitler officially declared Austria part of the Third Reich. A month later, a rigged referendum was held, with an improbable 99.7% of Austrians supposedly voting in favor of the Anschluss. Many historians agree the results were manipulated, as dissenters had been arrested or intimidated be- forehand. The Anschluss was met with little resistance from the inter- national community. Britain and France, focused on avoiding another war, issued only weak protests. Italy, once Austria’s protector, had grown closer to Hitler and did not intervene. The League of Nations, already weakened by previous failures, took no action. The annexation of Austria gave Nazi Germany strategic advantages, including increased manpower, economic resources, and a stronger position in cen- tral Europe. It also emboldened Hitler, who saw the lack of inter- national opposition as a green light for further expansion— leading directly to his demands for Sudetenland in Czechoslo- vakia later that year. The Anschluss was not an overnight event but the result of years of political instability, pro- paganda, and diplomatic ma- neuvering. Hitler’s ambitions, combined with Austria’s internal struggles and the international community’s inaction, set the stage for Austria’s fall. The an- nexation marked a crucial step in Hitler’s expansionist policies, pushing Europe closer to World War II. The failure of the world powers to stop the Anschluss would have dire consequences, as it emboldened Hitler to pur- sue even greater territorial am- bitions in the years to come. 12 March 1938; Hitler annexes austria K nown as the ‘Anschluss’, Hitler’s political union of Austria achieved through annexation be- gan on 12 March 1938, and was completed just one day later. Afterwards, Austria was declared an official part of the Third Reich. On March 9, Schuschnigg called a national vote to re- solve the question of Anschluss, or “annexation,” once and for all. Before the plebiscite could take place, how- ever, Schuschnigg gave in to pressure from Hitler and resigned on March 11. In his resignation address, under coercion from the Nazis, he pleaded with Austrian forc- es not to resist a German “advance” into the country. The next day, March 12, Hitler accompanied Ger- man troops into Austria, where enthusiastic crowds met them. Hitler appointed a new Nazi government, and on March 13 the Anschluss was proclaimed. Austria exist- ed as a federal state of Germany until the end of World War II, when the Allied powers declared the Anschluss void and reestablished an independent Austria. Schus- chnigg, who had been imprisoned soon after resigning, was released in 1945. anschluss, the bloodless invasion O n March 12, 1938, Austria ceased to exist as an independent nation. German forces marched into the country without a single shot being fired, executing what Adolf Hitler had long envisioned: the Anschluss, or annexation, of Austria into Nazi Germany. While the event appeared smooth and even celebratory for some, for others especially Austria’s Jewish population and political dissidents, it marked the beginning of fear, oppression, and brutal persecution. This article delves into how Austria was absorbed into the Third Reich without military resis- tance, the mixed reactions of its people, and the chill- ing consequences that followed. Before German troops crossed the border, Austria had already been politically and socially destabilized by Nazi influence. The Austrian Nazi Party, though officially banned, had remained active, carrying out violent demonstrations and exerting pressure on the government. Chancellor Kurt Schuschnigg, aware of Hitler’s growing ambitions, attempted to resist Ger- man control by calling for a referendum on March 13, 1938, allowing Austrians to vote on their indepen- dence. However, Hitler would not tolerate the risk of a vote rejecting the Anschluss. On March 11, 1938, under direct threat from Nazi Germany, Schuschnigg resigned, handing power over to Arthur Seyss-Inquart, a Nazi sympathizer. With Austria’s government in the hands of pro-Nazi officials, the country was now vulnerable to Hitler’s demands. On the morning of March 12, 1938, the German Wehrmacht crossed into Austria. There was no resistance from the Austrian military or police, most had already been instructed not to interfere. As German troops entered Vienna and other cities, they were met by cheering crowds waving swastika flags. In many places, Austri- ans lined the streets, throwing flowers and offering the soldiers their enthusiastic support. Hitler, himself Austrian by birth, arrived in Linz, his childhood home, to a hero’s welcome. The Nazi leader exploited this moment for propaganda, portraying the annexation as a natural unification of German-speaking people rather than an act of aggression. Two days later, in Vienna, he delivered a speech at Heldenplatz, trium- phantly declaring that Austria was now part of the German Reich. While many Austrians greeted Hitler’s arrival with open arms, the response was far from universal. Austria’s Jewish population, left-wing politicians, and those who opposed Nazi rule were im- mediately alarmed. They understood that with the arrival of Hitler’s regime, persecution would follow. For Austria’s 200,000 Jews, the Anschluss meant the rapid imple- mentation of Nazi anti-Semitic laws. Even before the annexation was officially confirmed, Jewish businesses were looted, homes were raided, and Jewish citizens were publicly humiliated and attacked. Many Jews sought escape, but with limited options and restricted immigration policies in other countries, thousands found them- selves trapped in an increasingly hostile environment. Political dissidents, particularly socialists, communists, and loy- alists to the former Austrian government, were arrested within days of the Anschluss. Many were sent to concentration camps such as Dachau and later Mauthausen, one of the most infamous camps built in Austria itself. The joy felt by some Austrians stood in stark contrast to the terror gripping others. The swift and bloodless annexation of Austria shocked the world, but it did not provoke any immediate intervention. Britain and France, still reeling from World War I and hoping to avoid another conflict, issued weak diplomatic protests but took no action. Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, who had previously supported Austrian independence, had by this point allied himself with Hitler and did not intervene. The League of Nations, already viewed as ineffective, failed to re- spond in any meaningful way. The lack of international resistance only emboldened Hitler, reinforcing his belief that the Western powers would not stop his territorial ambitions. This miscalcula- tion would set the stage for the further expansion of Nazi Germany, including the demands for Sudetenland in Czechoslovakia later that year. Following the Anschluss, Austria was fully integrated into the German Reich. Its name was erased; Austria was now referred to as Ostmark, a province of Nazi Germany. Austrians were conscripted into the Wehrmacht, forced to participate in the Nazi war machine, and subjected to the same strict laws that governed Germany. For Austria’s persecuted populations, life became unbearable. Jewish citizens were stripped of their rights, property, and dignity before being deported to ghettos and extermination camps as part of Hitler’s Final Solution. Political opposition was crushed, and Austria became another cog in the Nazi system. The Anschluss remains one of the most striking examples of Hitler’s ability to seize territory without military conflict. What appeared to be a seamless unification was, in reality, a forced an- nexation, facilitated by political coercion and international com- placency. For many Austrians, it was a moment of celebration but for others, it marked the beginning of unimaginable suffering. The world’s failure to act against the Anschluss would only embolden Hitler, accelerating the path to World War II and the horrors that followed. How many more wars? How many more Hurt innocent cHildren?