4. Significance of the Crisis Over Austria, 1938

Question 1

What, connected to Austria, did Hitler do in 1934?

Answer 1

Hitler gave the Austrian Nazis strong unofficial encouragement to stage in July what was ultimately a failed uprising in Vienna.

Question 2

‘Anschluss’ definition

Answer 2

The union of Austria with Germany

Question 3

Who was Kurt von Schuschnigg?

Answer 3

Chancellor of Austria, 1934-38

Question 4

When did Hitler order the German army to occupy Austria?

Answer 4

12th March, 1938

Question 5

Which peace treaties did the Anschluss violate?

Answer 5

Violated the Versailles (Article 80) and Saint Germain (Article 88) treaties that forbade union of Germany and Austria

Question 6

What was the reaction of Italy to the Anschluss?

Answer 6

Supported Hitler’s decision to invade Austria

Question 7

What was the reaction of Britain to the Anschluss?

Answer 7

While Britain protested to Germany and Chamberlain privately wrote that ‘it was now clear’ that force would be the only way in which Germany could be persuaded, they would not go to war over Austria. The British government hoped that Britain could offer Germany colonial concessions to distract it from its European ambitions, which had been handed to the German government on 3rd March.

Question 8

What was the reaction of France to the Anschluss?

Answer 8

France protested to Germany, but they would not go to war over Austria. France was occupied with an internal political crisis.

Question 9

What was the result of the Anschluss for Jews?

Answer 9

This union resulted in violence and humiliation for the 190,000 Austrian Jewish population. Thousands of Jews were arrested. Jewish houses and businesses were, later that summer, sold off at low prices and officially ‘Aryanised’.

Question 10

What was the result of the Nazi referendum of 10th April, 1938?

Answer 10

Over 99% of the Austrian population voted in favour of the Anschluss.