Hitlers invasion of Austria

By historyCDHS

  • Hitler attempts to take Austria but Mussiolini stops him

    Italy made an agreement with Austria that they would protect Austria from any outside Argression.Mussolini moved Italian troops to the Austrian border to deter Hitler from invading.

  • Hitler with the Austrian leader Schuschnigg to discuss the agreement made

    This regonised the independance of Austria. There wwas a price topay all Austrias forgein policy points had to be consistant with Germany.Schuschnigg hoped this would appease Hitler. He was wrong.

  • Hitler demands changes to Austrian government.

    In 1938 Schuschnigg visited Hitler at his summer retreat at Berchtesgaden. Hitler demanded that Nazis be given key government posts in Austria. Schuschnigg compromised

  • Ensure Austrian leader will implement your plans.

    On the 9 March 1938, in a desperate act, Schuschnigg announced a referendum whereby the Austrian people would decide for themselves if they wanted to be a part of Hitler's Germany. Hitler was furious. If the Austrians voted against joining Germany his excuse for invasion would be ruined.

  • Threaten Austria with invasion is vote is not cancelled.

    Hitler told his generals to prepare for the invasion of Austria. He ordered Schuschnigg to call off the referendum. Knowing he would receive no help from Italy, and that France and Britain would not interfere in Hitler's plans, Schuschnigg conceded. He called off the referendum and resigned.

  • Austrian leader resigns.

    Seyss Inquart a Nazi is made leader of Austria.Hitler tells him to ‘invite’ the Germans into Austria to restore law and order on the 10th of March.

  • German troops march into Austria on the 12th March 1938.

    Hitler now had control of Austria. A month later, Hitler held a rigged referendum. The results showed that the Austrian people approved of German control of their country. This plebiscite (vote) shows that 99.75% of Austrians are happy with Anschluss.

  • Britain’s reaction

    Criticised methods and called for withdrawal – did not back this up
    Believed Anschluss was inevitable – close links with Germany

  • Italy & France’s reactions

    Italy was consulted & agreed not to interfere and French government collapsed on 10th March so would need GB & Italy’s help to act