Germans march into Austria

On 12 March 1938 Adolf Hitler has German troops march into Austria. He bases this action on an alleged call for help by Arthur Seyss-Inquart, who – as a result of Hitler’s extortionary pressure – replaced Kurt Schuschnigg as Federal Chancellor the previous day. Amidst cheers by the people, Hitler proclaims the „annexation“ of Austria into the German Reich. This is legally codified the following day. On 10 April Austrians confirm the integration of their country into the newly created „Greater Germany“ with nearly 100 percent of yes-votes in a plebiscite. Before the plebiscite is held, a wave of arrests sweeps up most of the National Socialists’ political opponents.

© U.S. National Archives & Record Administration Intrusion of German police into Imst, Oberinntal, Tirol, March 1938