10.1 German Expansionism and the Anschluss

German expansionism and the Anschluss marked a crucial turning point in pre-World War II Europe. Hitler's aggressive moves to unite German-speaking peoples under Nazi rule shattered post-WWI treaties and exposed the weaknesses of Western appeasement policies.

The annexation of Austria in 1938 showcased Nazi propaganda tactics and ideological justifications for territorial expansion. It shifted the balance of power in Europe, heightening tensions and forcing other nations to reassess their strategies in the face of growing German aggression.

Anschluss: Causes and Context

Post-World War I Treaties and Economic Factors

Top images from around the web for Post-World War I Treaties and Economic Factors

• 

  Germany Genealogy • FamilySearch View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Aftermath of World War I - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Germany Genealogy • FamilySearch View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Aftermath of World War I - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 2

Top images from around the web for Post-World War I Treaties and Economic Factors

• 

  Germany Genealogy • FamilySearch View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Aftermath of World War I - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Germany Genealogy • FamilySearch View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Aftermath of World War I - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 2

• Treaty of Versailles and Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye prohibited Germany-Austria unification after World War I
  • Created resentment and desire for pan-German nationalism
  • Fueled revisionist sentiments in both countries
• Economic crisis of the 1930s impacted Austria's economy
  • Great Depression severely weakened Austrian financial stability
  • High unemployment rates (peaked at 25% in 1933)
  • Increased susceptibility to German influence and promises of economic recovery
• Concept of "Großdeutschland" (Greater Germany) gained traction
  • Aimed to unite all German-speaking peoples under one state
  • Resonated with populations in both Germany and Austria

Political Instability and Nazi Influence in Austria

• Internal political turmoil in Austria created environment conducive to German intervention
  • Rise of pro-Nazi sentiment among certain segments of the population
  • Weakening of democratic institutions (dissolution of parliament in 1933)
• Assassination of Austrian Chancellor Engelbert Dollfuss in 1934
  • Carried out by Nazi sympathizers during failed coup attempt
  • Further destabilized Austria's political landscape
• Kurt Schuschnigg's leadership following Dollfuss
  • Attempted to maintain Austrian independence through appeasement of Nazi Germany
  • Failed to effectively counter growing Nazi influence within Austria

Hitler's Strategic Pressure on Austria

• Diplomatic pressure exerted by Nazi Germany on Austrian government
  • Demands for inclusion of Nazi party members in Austrian cabinet
  • Ultimatums threatening military intervention
• Economic coercion tactics employed by Germany
  • Trade restrictions and economic sanctions against Austria
  • Promises of economic benefits upon unification (access to German market)
• Threat of military force to compel Austria's acceptance of Anschluss
  • Mobilization of German troops along Austrian border
  • Creation of atmosphere of inevitability regarding German takeover

International Response to Anschluss

Western Powers' Appeasement and Inaction

• Britain and France characterized by policy of appeasement
  • Failed to take decisive action against German aggression
  • Focused on avoiding direct confrontation with Nazi Germany
• League of Nations demonstrated inability to effectively respond
  • Highlighted organization's weaknesses in maintaining international order
  • Lack of enforcement mechanisms for collective security
• Soviet Union's calls for collective security measures largely ignored
  • Proposed alliance against German expansionism
  • Western powers' distrust of Soviet motives limited cooperation

Impact on European Balance of Power

• Neighboring countries became increasingly vulnerable
  • Czechoslovakia faced immediate threat due to shared border with expanded Germany
  • Hungary and Yugoslavia reassessed their strategic positions
• Shift in European power dynamics resulted from Austria's incorporation
  • Germany gained Austria's resources (iron ore deposits, hydroelectric power)
  • Strategic position in Central Europe strengthened Nazi Germany's geopolitical influence
• Catalyst for increased military preparations among European nations
  • Britain accelerated rearmament program (RAF expansion, naval modernization)
  • France reinforced Maginot Line and increased military spending

Changing Perceptions of Nazi Germany

• International realization of Hitler's expansionist intentions grew
  • Anschluss viewed as clear violation of Versailles Treaty
  • Concerns about future German territorial ambitions intensified
• Reassessment of diplomatic strategies towards Nazi Germany
  • Shift from appeasement to more cautious approach in some countries
  • Increased urgency in forming alliances to counter German power
• Event shaped public opinion in democratic countries
  • Increased awareness of Nazi aggression among general populations
  • Growing support for stronger stance against German expansionism

Nazi Propaganda and Expansionism

Ideological Justifications for Territorial Expansion

• Concept of "Lebensraum" (living space) as fundamental Nazi ideology
  • Justified need for territorial expansion to sustain German people
  • Linked to ideas of racial superiority and historical destiny
• Racial theories used to legitimize annexation of German-speaking territories
  • Promoted idea of uniting all ethnic Germans under one state
  • Emphasized supposed racial bonds between Germans and Austrians
• Exploitation of historical and cultural ties between Germany and Austria
  • Presented Anschluss as natural reunification of German people
  • Emphasized shared language, culture, and historical connections (Holy Roman Empire)

Manipulation of Mass Media and Public Opinion

• Nazi regime's control and use of various media outlets
  • Radio broadcasts (Volksempfänger program ensured wide radio access)
  • Newspapers (control of press through Reich Press Chamber)
  • Film productions (propaganda films like "Triumph of the Will")
• Orchestration of public demonstrations and plebiscites
  • Created illusion of popular support for Anschluss
  • Staged mass rallies in Austria before and after annexation
• Economic promises and myth of German economic superiority
  • Promoted vision of prosperity under unified German economy
  • Emphasized Germany's economic recovery as model for Austria

Demonization of Opponents and Exploitation of Grievances

• Portrayal of Versailles Treaty as unjust constraint on German aspirations
  • Used to rally support for revisionist policies
  • Tapped into existing resentment towards post-WWI settlement
• Demonization of political opponents and minority groups
  • Jews portrayed as obstacles to German unity and prosperity
  • Socialists and democrats labeled as threats to national strength
• Use of anti-Semitic propaganda to justify expansionist policies
  • Linked supposed Jewish influence to Austria's economic troubles
  • Presented Anschluss as liberation from Jewish-controlled government