Anschluss With Austria Flashcards
Give 8 reasons why Hitler wanted to unite with Austria:
-Austria had ruled Germany for 600 years
-They had similar cultures
-They shared a language
-They had united in WW1
-Hitler was born in Austria
-Hitler felt the two belonged together
-Hitler would get closer to achieving one of his foreign policies of re-uniting German speaking people
-Hitler would be a step closer to destroying the Treaty of Versailles, as Anschluss forbidden was one of it’s terms
What 2 things encouraged Hitler to try unite with Austria again after he first failed in 1934?
By March 1938, Hitler’s relations with Mussolini were much improved, and Hitler was convinced nothing would stand in his way as Britain and France did nothing about him remilitarising the Rhineland.
When was Dollfuss replaced and by who?
In 1934 he was replaced by Schuschnigg.
What deal did Schuschnigg make with the Nazis?
He was worried about what had happened to Dollfuss so made a deal where the Nazis would support him, and in return he would give them key positions in the Austrian government.
When did the police raid the headquarters of the Austrian Nazi Party?
January 1938.
What did the police find in the headquarters of the Austrian Nazi Party?
They discovered plans to overthrow Schuschnigg. There were also huge demonstrations against the government, led by the Austrian Nazis, in large towns like Vienna.
Where did Schuschnigg meet Hitler after discovering the Austrian Nazi’s plans?
In Berchtesgaden, Hitler’s mountain retreat in Germany.
What did Hitler do to intimidate Schuschnigg?
He included 3 Nazi generals in the meeting.
What 4 terms did Hitler and Schuschnigg agree?
-Appointing a Nazi solicitor named Seyss-Inquart as minister for the interior with full power over the Austrian police
-Nazis were to take the roles of ministers of finance and war
-Schuschnigg was to lift any restrictions on the Nazi Party in Austria
-Schuschnigg was to release nazis from prison
What did Hitler threaten Schuschnigg with about their agreement in Berchtesgaden?
Hitler told him to sign the agreement and make the changes within 3 days, or he would invade.
What did Schuschnigg plan which would make Hitler lose his excuse to invade?
He held a plebiscite to allow the Austrian people to vote on the matter. If people voted against Anschluss then Hitler would lose his excuse to invade.
When did Hitler demand the plebiscite be postponed?
11 March 1938.
Why did Schuschnigg agree to postponing the plebiscite?
He feared he would not be supported by Britain, France or Italy if he defied Hitler.
What did Hitler force Schuschnigg to do?
Resign, and make sure that Seyss-Inquart took over as chancellor.
When did Seyss-Inquart become the Austrian chancellor?
On the same day, at 8pm.
