HISTORY IGCSE CONTENT - 20TH CENTURY OPTION - THE ROAD TO WW2: ANSCHLUSS 1938. The Anschluss, also known as the Anschluss Österreichs, refers to the annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany on 12 March 1938. The idea of an Anschluss began after the unification of Germany excluded Austria and the German Austrians from the Prussian-dominated German Empire in 1871. Start date: 12 March 1938.

1. CONTENT
ROAD TO WAR
HITLER’S
FOURTH MOVE
ANSCHLUSS 1938
9

2. CAMBRIDGE IGCSE – ROAD TO WW2 – MR. D
ANSCHLUSS WITH AUSTRIA 1938
With the successes of 1936 and 1937 to boost Hitler, he turned his
attention to his homeland of Austria.
He was born in Austria, and he knew many Austrians regarded
themselves as Germans and wanted to be unified with Germany.
Such a union was forbidden by the TOV.

3. CAMBRIDGE IGCSE – ROAD TO WW2 – MR. Dhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6Wa4BL28OM

4. CAMBRIDGE IGCSE – ROAD TO WW2 – MR. D
HITLER WAS MUCH MORE CONFIDENT
Because:
- His army was much larger
- The LON was ineffective
- Germany has signed the Anti-Comintern Pacts with Japan and Italy,
opposing communism.
- The British government gave Hitler the impression it would not
oppose Austria and Germany joining together.

5. CAMBRIDGE IGCSE – ROAD TO WW2 – MR. D
HITLER ACHIEVED ANSCHLUSS IN 6 STEPS
1. In February 1938, Hitler complained to Schuschnigg (the Austrian
Chancellor) that Austrian Nazis were being mistreated.
2. Hitler forced Schuschnigg to accept two Austrian Nazis into his
government.
3. Schuschnigg decided to hold a referendum to see if the Austrian
people wanted Anschluss with Germany.
4. Hitler forced Schuschnigg to resign and replaced him with an
Austrian who invited German troops into Austria.
5. In March, German troops marched into Austria and the Anschluss
was announced.
6. The Nazis organised a referendum; 99% of the people voted in
favour.

6. CAMBRIDGE IGCSE – ROAD TO WW2 – MR. D
HITLER ACHIEVED ANSCHLUSS IN 6 STEPS
Britain and France protested, but did nothing, which was another
example of appeasement.
Some people argued that it was natural for Germany to be united.

7. CAMBRIDGE IGCSE – ROAD TO WW2 – MR. D
KEY POINTS
One of the reasons Britain and France were not that worried about
German expansion is because they thought that a strong Germany
would prevent the expanding of communism from Russia.
Many people thought communism was the biggest danger at this time.