Background to Anschluss, 1938: The possibilities of Austrian resistance

Abstract

In March, 1938, Germany annexed the Republic of Austria. As a result of Anschluss Austria lost its identity as a separate European state. One of the principal questions is why there was no resistance, either active or passive, to the German take-over. Instead, there occurred a tumultuous Austrian welcome for the Fuehrer and his entourage (which included some 150,000 troops). A detailed examination of memoirs, records, and accounts of the closing days of the First Austrian Republic has led the author of this dissertation to conclude that no one answer will suffice. Only a combination of factors explains the lack of Austrian resistance and the phenomenal welcome extended to the Germans. For one thing, Austria had suffered severe internal divisions which prevented any unified action. The country was split into socialist and conservative camps; there were Pan-Germans, Nazis, and Austrian patriots, as well as Revolutionary Socialists, "Fatherland Fronters," and Monarchists. Each of these groups was vehemently opposed to any other. Their divisive tendencies prevented a unified policy toward Germany. Austria also suffered from an overwhelming sense of isolation. Resistance would be impossible without promise of assistance from England, France, or Italy. In 1938, none of these countries offered any encouragement in this regard. A totally unprepared Austrian military and a dearth of strong leadership intensified this atmosphere of helplessness. Certainly important was the fact that union with Hitlerite Germany would bring certain advantages, economically as well as conferring great power status. At the heart of the Austrian dilemma was the fact that Austrians were torn by two conflicting loyalties. One belonged to Germany with which many wanted to cast their destiny; the other belonged to an Austria with a special identity and non-Prussian atmosphere. In March, 1938--when Austrians were forced to choose between the two--the romantic, national, and historical sentiment for Anschluss proved stronger than the patriotic Austrian ideal. Austrians did not feel sufficiently distinct from Germany to resist what seemed to be the inevitable.