1938: The Nazi Seizure of Power

Although the idea of an “Anschluss” (“annexation”) of Austria to Germany had old and multipartisan roots, the Nazi seizure of power in March 1938 was not completed without contradictions. With his announcement of a plebiscite (on March 9 for March 13), Chancellor Kurt Schuschnigg had succeeded in bringing together forces for an independent Austria, who saw a greater danger in Hitler. Since the bulk of the left would also vote for an independent Austria, rendering a majority outcome very likely, Hitler was forced to act.

On March 11, 1938, the order for invasion was given, and on March 12, German troops crossed the border. There was no armed resistance. Schuschnigg had stepped down with a final “God save Austria”, and a good part of the population cheered for the German troops. In Styria and Carinthia, the seizure of power by local Nazis had already been completed before the German soldiers arrived. Terror and persecution were immediately employed following the seizure of power. Political opponents were brought to the Dachau concentration camp, Jewish Austrians were humiliated, robbed and murdered.