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1938: Hitler Takes Vienna - The Anschluss and its Aftermath

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A Crowd Of Austrian Nazis Cheering The Arrival Of German Troops In Vienna On March 12, 1938. 1938: Hitler Takes Vienna John Heil

The Road to Anschluss

The Anschluss, or "union," of Austria and Germany was a long-held goal of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party. After coming to power in Germany in 1933, Hitler began to exert pressure on Austria, which was a weak and divided nation at the time.

In 1934, Austrian Nazis attempted a coup, which was unsuccessful. However, the coup attempt led to the assassination of Austrian Chancellor Engelbert Dollfuss. Dollfuss' successor, Kurt Schuschnigg, tried to appease Hitler, but his efforts were unsuccessful.

1938: Hitler Takes Vienna

by John Heil

4.6 out of 5

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In February 1938, Hitler demanded that Schuschnigg appoint Nazis to key positions in the Austrian government. Schuschnigg initially resisted, but he eventually agreed under pressure from Germany and Italy.

The Anschluss

On March 12, 1938, German troops crossed the border into Austria. Schuschnigg resigned, and Hitler declared the Anschluss. The Austrian people were largely supportive of the Anschluss, seeing it as a way to reunite with their German brethren.

However, the Anschluss was not a peaceful event. German troops used violence to suppress any opposition, and many Austrians who were opposed to the Nazis were arrested and imprisoned.

The Impact of the Anschluss

The Anschluss had a profound impact on Austria. The country lost its independence and became a province of Nazi Germany. The Nazis quickly began to impose their ideology on Austria, and many Austrians were forced to join the Nazi Party or face persecution.

The Anschluss also had a devastating impact on the Jewish community in Austria. The Nazis immediately began to persecute Jews, and many Jews were forced to flee the country. By the end of the war, over 65,000 Austrian Jews had been murdered.

The Aftermath of the Anschluss

The Anschluss was a major turning point in the history of Europe. It led to the outbreak of World War II and the Holocaust. The war ended with the defeat of Nazi Germany, and Austria was liberated from Nazi rule.

However, the legacy of the Anschluss continues to be felt today. The annexation of Austria was a clear violation of international law, and it set a dangerous precedent for the future.

The Personal Story of John Heil

One of the many victims of the Anschluss was John Heil, a young Jewish man who lived in Vienna. John was forced to flee his home and his country after the Anschluss. He eventually made his way to the United States, where he built a new life for himself.

John's story is a reminder of the human cost of the Anschluss. The annexation of Austria was a tragedy for millions of people, and it is important to remember the victims of this dark chapter in history.

The Anschluss was a major turning point in the history of Europe. It led to the outbreak of World War II and the Holocaust. The annexation of Austria was a clear violation of international law, and it set a dangerous precedent for the future.

The story of John Heil is a reminder of the human cost of the Anschluss. The annexation of Austria was a tragedy for millions of people, and it is important to remember the victims of this dark chapter in history.

1938: Hitler Takes Vienna

by John Heil

4.6 out of 5