Anschluss
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The Anschluss, also known as the Anschluß Österreichs, was the annexation of the Federal State of Austria into Nazi Germany on 12 March 1938.
Austrian citizens gather on the Heldenplatz to hear Hitler's declaration of annexation.
Soldiers of the Austrian Federal Army in Vienna, 12 February 1934
Supporters of Schuschnigg campaigning for the independence of Austria in March 1938, shortly before the Anschluss
Seyss-Inquart and Hitler with Himmler and Heydrich to the right in Vienna, March 1938
A sham referendum on the Anschluss with Germany was held in German-occupied Austria on 10 April 1938, alongside one in Germany. German troops had already occupied Austria one month earlier, on 12 Marc
Anschluss
…Seyss-Inquart then "invited" Hitler and the German Army to cross the border to "restore order" in Austria on 12 March, unopposed by the Austrian military. A plebiscite was held on 10 April, resulting in 99.7% approval. The idea of grouping all Germans into one nation-state had been the subject of debate in the 19th…
Official ballot paper for the referendum
Postage stamp celebrating the referendum: an NSDAP member embraces an Austrian in national costume, and both fly the Nazi flag. The text reads: "One People, One Reich, One Leader — 10th April 1938."