Anschluss 1938

Question 1

What does the term Anschluss mean?

Answer 1

Connecting or joining

Question 2

Why was Hitler interested in an Austro-German union?

Answer 2

To acquire Lebensraum and to unite all Germans under a Nazi Empire

Question 3

What was the main trigger for Anschluss in Austria to start in 1938?

Answer 3

The Austrian Chancellor Schuschnigg called for a plebiscite to assert Austrian Independence

Question 4

How long did Anschluss take?

Answer 4

About 3 days

Question 5

What two events in 1936 caused Austria’s position to weaken?

Answer 5

1. Spanish Civil War
2. Rome-Berlin Axis
   Both meant Austria lost protection from Italy and was very vulnerable to German attack

Question 6

When did German troops officially enter Austria?

Answer 6

12th of March 1938 at 5am

Question 7

In what year did Mussolini tell Chancellor Schuschnigg that Italy would no longer defend Austria?

Answer 7

1937

Question 8

What were the reactions of Britain and France?

Answer 8

Both verbally protested against the invasion but did nothing else

Question 9

What did Mussolini receive from Hitler that pushed him to withdraw military support?

Answer 9

Personal assurance that Germany would not seek territorial concessions from Italy

Question 10

What three ultimatums did Hitler give the Austrian government on March 11th?

Answer 10

1. The plebiscite was called off
2. Chancellor Schuschnigg must resign
3. The Austrian president needed to appoint Nazi Arthur Seyss-Inquart as the new Chancellor