Reactions to the Anschluss

British Reaction The British government protested strongly about the takeover (Churchill). The many reasons behind the policy of appeasement, however, prevented them from taking stronger action. Britain was in no position to go to war again. Neville Chamberlain had become Prime Minister in May 1937 and wanted to improve relations with Germany Considered Austria to be within Germany’s sphere of interest as Austrians were really Germans

British Reaction The general attitude of both government and the people it seemed that: Austria was too far away from Britain and too close to Germany for Britain to take effective action Also, the Austrian people generally welcomed the Anschluss and that it would be silly to defend their independence against their own wishes

Italian reaction Little Mussolini could do, he had already stated Austria was of no interest to him. Mussolini was also aware that Germany was far too strong and had widespread support inside Austria Hitler did not clear ‘invasion’ plan with Italy However Mussolini sent Hitler a message ‘Austria did not interest him at all’ Hitler was relieved

Czechoslovakia reaction Could not do anything Now in a dangerous position surrounded on 3 sides Hitler sent message to assure Czechoslovakia that they had nothing to worry about. They did not believe Hitler and had good reasons to disbelieve him.

French reaction Changing governments meant an unstable time Not in a position to react The French would also have required the help of Britain. Although in agreement with the international community that nothing could or should be done!!

Significance of the Anschluss The Anschluss had proved to Hitler, yet again, that he could get away with international bullying He was aware of the fact that no one was strong enough or willing to become embroiled in another war. The fact he increased his borders without bloodshed also strengthened his case. In retrospect, we know he would use these tactics again

Significance of the Anschluss It also gave Hitler control of Austria’s iron and steel industries and her engineering industries (for armaments) This would also benefit the German economy hugely Austria also provided a springboard for any potential invasion of South-eastern Europe if Hitler so decided (Czechoslovakia)

Significance of the Anschluss He was able to use the funds of the Austrian Central Bank and use the countries vast gold reserves This would help with remilitarisation His attention now turned to Czechoslovakia whose important Western provinces were now virtually surrounded by Germany