Question

Aggressive nationalism of Italy and Germany was responsible for many acts of violence which eventually led to the Second World War. In this context explain:

Austria’s union with Germany in 1938.

Answer 1

1. Hitler’s nationalism caused the 1938 Anschluss, which united Austria and Germany. It paved the way for World War II.
2. Austrian-born Adolf Hitler believed all German speakers should be grouped into one Reich.
3. Pan-Germanism inspired his foreign policy. But the Treaty of Versailles made it plain Austria and Germany could not cooperate. The purpose of this action was to prevent Germany from growing stronger.
4. In early 1938, Hitler forced Austrian Chancellor Kurt Schuschnigg to accept Nazis in the administration. Hitler threatened to attack Austria after Schuschnigg called for a referendum on joining the federation.
5. German troops entered Austria unopposed on 12^th March, 1938. Austria officially joined Germany. This act of violence violated international conventions, but Britain and France took little action due to their policy of appeasement. 
6. The Anschluss boosted Hitler’s confidence, strengthened Germany in Europe, and encouraged growth, such as the Sudetenland in Czechoslovakia, later that year.
7. In this way, the annexation of Austria proved how deadly strong nationalism can be when international forces fail to stop it. European conflict was more likely than ever.