Anschluss Flashcards
What was one of Germany’s main aims?
To reunite all German-speaking people
What had stopped Anschluss in previous attempts?
In 1934, encouraged by Hitler, the Austrian Nazi party tried to seize power after the nurses if Dolfuss, who was the Austrian chancellor. However, Mussolini opposed him, and was prepared to give support to Austria.
What made the new attempt at Anschluss more possible?
Italy had sided with Germany, and would therefore not interfere with hitlers aims.
Italy was caught up in the Spanish civil war and was unlikely to provide support because of this.
What were there rumours of in 1938 and why were they important?
There were rumours that the Nazi party were going to try and overthrow the Austrian Government. They were important as Shuschnigg appealed to Hitler to end the plotting, however he refused but instead pressured him further.
What did Hitler pressure Austrian Chancellor Shuschnigg to do
Appoint Seys-Inquart (leader of the Austrian Nazi party) as minister of Interior, chief of police. This followed a series of riots which were allowed and encouraged by hitler and seys-inquart.
What did Schuschnigg try to do without Hitlers permission? What did hitler do?
Call a plebiscite without his permission. German troops were sent to the border and Hitler demanded to call off the plebiscite and for Schuschnigg to resign. He did. But to avoid bloodshed.
Who replaced Schuschnigg as Chancellor after he resigned?
Sets-Inquart took over, before giving control to hitler.
What happened on the 12th March?
German troops were invited in by the chancellor to ‘restore order’. Around 80,000 were rounded up and taken to concentration camps.
What year did Hitler take over from Seys-Inquart?
14th of March, he proceeded with great triumph.
Where was Britain during all of this?
More concerned about the USSR and communism, therefore encouraged hitlers actions as hurler was really right wing and was also an it-communism.
What were the results of Anschluss?
A triumph for Germany
Hitlers confidence began to grow
Hitlers empire grew
Hitler + Mussolini = stronger
Why did Anschluss not exist already?
It had been forbidden by the treaty of Versailles
