What Country Did Hitler Invade First

Austria: The First Victim of Hitler's Aggression – A Deep Dive into the Anschluss

The question, "What country did Hitler invade first?" often elicits a quick response: Poland. While the invasion of Poland in September 1939 undeniably marked the beginning of World War II, it wasn't Hitler's first act of aggression. That dubious honor belongs to Austria, with the Anschluss, or annexation, of Austria into the German Reich in March 1938. Understanding this event is crucial to comprehending the broader context of Hitler's ambitions and the escalating tensions that ultimately led to global conflict. This article will delve deep into the events surrounding the Anschluss, exploring its historical context, the methods employed by Hitler, the international response (or lack thereof), and its lasting consequences.

The Historical Context: A Fertile Ground for Expansionism

The seeds of the Anschluss were sown long before Hitler's rise to power. Austria and Germany shared a common language, culture, and history, with many Austrians identifying strongly with German nationalism. This shared identity was a powerful tool for Nazi propaganda, which successfully portrayed the Anschluss as a reunification of "blood brothers" rather than an act of conquest. The post-World War I Treaty of Versailles, which heavily restricted Germany's military and territorial ambitions, further fueled this sentiment. Many Germans, including Austrians, felt unjustly punished and yearned for a restoration of national pride and power.

The economic hardships of the Great Depression also played a significant role. Austria, a small and economically vulnerable nation, faced severe unemployment and social unrest. This instability created an environment ripe for extremist ideologies, with the Nazi Party gaining significant traction among the disillusioned population. The Austrian government, weak and divided, struggled to maintain order and effectively counter the growing Nazi influence. This internal weakness made Austria a particularly vulnerable target for Hitler's expansionist ambitions.

Hitler's Calculated Moves: A Step-by-Step Approach to Annexation

Hitler's strategy regarding Austria wasn't a sudden, impulsive act. It was a carefully orchestrated campaign, leveraging a combination of political maneuvering, propaganda, intimidation, and ultimately, military force. The process can be broken down into several key stages:

• Cultivating Internal Support: The Nazi Party in Austria, though initially suppressed, gained considerable strength throughout the 1930s. Hitler skillfully utilized propaganda to cultivate a sense of shared German identity and resentment towards the existing Austrian government, portraying it as weak and ineffective. He emphasized the economic benefits of joining the Reich, promising prosperity and stability. This internal subversion weakened the Austrian government's ability to resist.

• Political Pressure and Infiltration: Hitler exerted considerable political pressure on the Austrian government, demanding concessions and threatening intervention. He used the threat of a military invasion to force compliance, exploiting the Austrian government's vulnerability. Nazi sympathizers within the Austrian government facilitated this process, providing intelligence and support for the Nazi cause.

• The "Berchtesgaden Agreement": A False Sense of Security: In February 1938, a meeting between Hitler and the Austrian Chancellor, Kurt Schuschnigg, took place at Berchtesgaden. While outwardly appearing as a negotiation, this meeting was a carefully staged power play. Hitler forced Schuschnigg to accept several demands, including the appointment of Nazi officials to key government positions, effectively undermining Austrian sovereignty. This agreement was a prelude to the full annexation.

• The Referendum and Military Intervention: Schuschnigg, realizing the precarious situation, attempted to call a referendum to gauge public opinion on Austria's independence. Hitler responded swiftly, launching a military invasion on March 11, 1938, before the referendum could take place. The invasion was met with little resistance, highlighting the effectiveness of Hitler's propaganda and the extent of Nazi infiltration within Austria.

• The Anschluss is Declared: Following the swift military occupation, a plebiscite (a vote on a single political question) was held on April 10, 1938. While presented as a democratic process, the referendum was heavily manipulated, with intimidation tactics employed to ensure a positive outcome in favor of unification with Germany. The results, overwhelmingly in favor of the Anschluss, were used to legitimize Hitler's actions on the international stage.

The International Response: Appeasement and Inaction

The international community's response to the Anschluss was largely one of appeasement. France and Great Britain, weary from the previous war and unwilling to risk another conflict, adopted a policy of non-intervention. They condemned the action but took no concrete steps to prevent it. This inaction emboldened Hitler, demonstrating that his aggressive tactics could be met with impunity. The League of Nations, already weakened and ineffective, proved incapable of offering any meaningful resistance to Hitler's actions. This failure to act decisively set the stage for further aggression and ultimately contributed to the outbreak of World War II.

The Consequences of the Anschluss: A Precursor to War

The Anschluss had far-reaching consequences, significantly impacting the geopolitical landscape and setting the stage for World War II. Several key impacts include:

• Expansion of Nazi Territory and Power: The annexation of Austria significantly increased the territory and resources under Nazi control, bolstering Germany's military and economic capabilities. This expansion fueled Hitler’s further ambitions for conquest.

• Emboldenment of Hitler: The lack of decisive international response to the Anschluss emboldened Hitler, reinforcing his belief that he could act with impunity. This strengthened his resolve to pursue further territorial expansion.

• Persecution of Jews and Political Opponents: The Anschluss led to the immediate persecution of Austrian Jews and political opponents. They were subjected to the same discriminatory laws and violence as their counterparts in Germany.

• Strategic Advantage for Germany: The annexation of Austria provided Germany with strategic advantages, particularly in terms of military deployment and access to resources. This enhanced Germany's capacity for further aggression.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why didn't Austria resist the invasion more strongly?

A: Austria's resistance was weak due to several factors: Nazi infiltration of the government and military, the effectiveness of Nazi propaganda in creating pro-Anschluss sentiment, the economic hardships facing the nation, and the lack of external support. The Austrian army was simply not prepared for a significant conflict with the German Wehrmacht.

Q: Was the plebiscite truly representative of the Austrian people's will?

A: No, the plebiscite was far from a fair representation of the Austrian people's will. The results were heavily influenced by intimidation, propaganda, and the fear of reprisals. Many Austrians opposed the Anschluss but were afraid to express their dissent openly.

Q: How did the Anschluss affect the international relations?

A: The Anschluss demonstrated the failure of appeasement as a foreign policy strategy. It shattered the fragile peace that had existed since World War I and emboldened Hitler to pursue more aggressive actions, ultimately leading to the outbreak of World War II.

Q: What happened to Austrian Jews after the Anschluss?

A: Following the Anschluss, Austrian Jews faced immediate persecution and violence. They were stripped of their rights, subjected to discriminatory laws, and many were eventually deported to concentration camps.

Conclusion: A Turning Point in 20th-Century History

The Anschluss of Austria was not merely a territorial acquisition; it was a pivotal moment in 20th-century history. It marked a crucial step in Hitler's path to initiating World War II. The lack of decisive international response to this act of aggression highlighted the failings of appeasement and paved the way for further Nazi expansion. Understanding the events surrounding the Anschluss, the methods employed by Hitler, and the international response is vital for comprehending the broader context of World War II and the importance of resisting aggression. The annexation of Austria serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked expansionism and the importance of international cooperation in maintaining peace and security. It stands as a powerful example of how seemingly small steps can have enormous and devastating consequences on a global scale.