Question

How did Hitler achieve his aims with reference to the Anschluss, 1938?

Answer 1

Hitler achieved his aims regarding the Anschluss (union with Austria) in 1938 through the following steps:

1. Political pressure and threats: Hitler pressured the Austrian Chancellor Kurt Schuschnigg to allow the inclusion of Nazis in the Austrian government. When Schuschnigg announced a referendum to let the Austrian people decide, Hitler threatened military action.
2. German invasion without resistance: On 12^th March, 1938, German troops marched into Austria without any opposition. The invasion was welcomed by many Austrians who supported unification with Germany.
3. Formal union: A controlled plebiscite was held in April 1938, where over 99% reportedly voted in favour of the union. Austria was then officially annexed to Germany.

These moves violated the Treaty of Versailles and the Treaty of St. Germain, but Britain and France again followed a policy of appeasement and took no action, encouraging Hitler to continue his expansionist goals.