How did the annexation of Austria lead to ww2?

On March 12, 1938, German troops march into Austria to annex the German-speaking nation for the Third Reich. In early 1938, Austrian Nazis conspired for the second time in four years to seize the Austrian government by force and unite their nation with Nazi Germany.

Why did Germany want Austria?

Hitler wanted all German-speaking nations in Europe to be a part of Germany. To this end, he had designs on re-uniting Germany with his native homeland, Austria. In an attempt to realise his goals, Hitler was determined to destabilise Austria and undermine its independence.

How did Germany annex Austria?

The German Nazi minister Hermann Göring ordered Seyss-Inquart to send a telegram requesting German military aid, but he refused, and the telegram was sent by a German agent in Vienna. On March 12 Germany invaded, and the enthusiasm that followed gave Hitler the cover to annex Austria outright on March 13.

Can Austria unite with Germany?

After the Second World War, there has been no serious effort among the citizens or political parties to unite Germany and Austria. In addition, the Austrian State Treaty forbids such a union and the constitution required Austria’s neutrality.

What was the result of the Anschluss?

A referendum on the Anschluss with Germany was held in German-occupied Austria on 10 April 1938, alongside one in Germany. German troops had already occupied Austria one month earlier, on 12 March 1938. The official result was reported as 99.73\% in favour, with a 99.71\% turnout.

Why did Germany annex Austria in 1938?

Germany annexes Austria. On March 12, 1938, German troops march into Austria to annex the German-speaking nation for the Third Reich. In early 1938, Austrian Nazis conspired for the second time in four years to seize the Austrian government by force and unite their nation with Nazi Germany.

Why did Austria want to join the Anschluss?

The majority of Austria’s population was German speaking and watched its German neighbours reach full employment and reverse inflation. Many wanted to join in Germany’s success. The word Anschluss means ‘connection’ or ‘political union’.

Why was Austria not part of Germany after WW1?

After the First World War, the Treaty of Versailles forbid Austria from being a part of the German Empire (The Reich), in order to prevent the formation of a strong military and economic superstate. The majority of Austria’s population was German speaking and watched its German neighbours reach full employment and reverse inflation.

What was the result of the second referendum in Austria?

On Sunday, April 10, a second, controlled referendum/plebiscite was arranged for the German men and women of Austria over twenty years of age to ratify the reunion with the German Reich, which had in fact already been decided. Jews or Gypsies (4\% of the population) were not permitted to vote.