The Austro-German Anschluss Crisis 1938

Austro-German relations had deteriorated due to the continued agitation by Austrian Nazis and the consequent Austrian repression of Nazi activities. This led first to the German request for political concessions from Austria on February 5th, and then to the meeting between Hitler and Austrian Chancellor Schuschnigg at Berchtesgaden on February 12, 1938. Hitler issued a series of demands including an army personnel exchange, and the granting of key cabinet posts for Nazi supporters. Confronted with Hitler's verbal bullying and implied threats, Schuschnigg agreed to these demands immediately. However Hitler did not publicly recognize Austrian independence. On March 9th, Schuschnigg proposed a plebiscite on Austrian independence be held on March 13th. In retaliation, the Germans demanded Schuschnigg's resignation as Chancellor on March 11th, and on the same day a Nazi replacement requested German armed intervention to preserve order. On March 12, 1938, German troops entered Austria, and Germany annexed Austria.

References

BCOW User's Manual, 92.

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