Anchluss (1938)

Question 1

What happened in 1934?

Answer 1

Austrian Chancellor, Dolfuss, banned the Nazis from Austria and therefore was killed by Austrian Nazis.
He was replaced by Schushnigg, who was afraid of Nazis and gave them a big role in the government.

Question 2

What happened in 1938?

Answer 2

In 1938, it was revealed by the police that the Nazis were plotting to overthrow Schushnigg. Hitler then met with him and forced him to release some Nazis, end some restrictions and give vital votes to the Nazis.
Schushnigg planned to have a plebiscite to allow Austrians to vote and reject Anchluss.

8th of March: Hitler forced him to resign.
12th of March: Hitler invaded Austria and made Seys-Inquart the new Chancellor, who let them freely invade.
Honouring the Anti-Comitern Pact, Germany became allies with Italy. Italy did nothing to stop them invading Austria.
10th of April: Hitler agreed to the plebiscite. Nazi Stormtroopers ensured 99% of the votes supported Anchluss, making Austria a part of Germany.