How it came about:
What happened:
Why it failed:
Key consequence:
- Hitler aimed to unite all German-speaking people (Pan-Germanism), including those in Austria.
- He believed Austria and Germany should be one country – an idea forbidden by the Treaty of Versailles.
- Austria had many Nazis who supported unification with Germany.
- Hitler saw Austria as the first step towards his goal of a Greater Germany.
What happened:
- In July 1934, Austrian Nazis launched a coup attempt, encouraged by Hitler.
- They murdered the Austrian Chancellor, Engelbert Dollfuss, in an effort to seize power.
- The plan was to install a pro-Nazi government and then unite with Germany.
- Hitler prepared German troops to support the coup if necessary.
Why it failed:
- Italy, under Mussolini, was strongly opposed to a German-Austrian union at this point.
- Mussolini was an ally of Austria and moved Italian troops to the Austrian border to warn Hitler off.
- Hitler, aware that Germany’s military was not ready for a confrontation, backed down.
- The Austrian army remained loyal to the government, and the coup collapsed.
Key consequence:
- Hitler realised he would have to be more cautious in future.
- He learned not to act without ensuring international support or neutrality.
- The failed attempt damaged Germany’s image temporarily, but Hitler did not abandon the idea of Anschluss.
