Annexation. How the Nazis Deprived Austria of Independence

In 1918, the Republic of German Austria appeared on the political map of Europe — the successor to Austria-Hungary, including regions with a predominantly German population. In September 1919, it changed its name to Austria, and any attempts to unite the country with Germany were forbidden. "Austria's situation is peculiar, as the imperialist powers force it to exist as an 'independent state,' not allowing it, despite the wishes of its population, to join Germany" — a quote from the Small Soviet Encyclopedia (1931). With Hitler coming to power in Germany, the annexation (German — joining, union) became part of the official foreign policy of Germany. Nazi regime agents infiltrated all state structures of Austria. At the same time, in Austria itself, the idea of annexation with the Nazi dictatorship began to evoke active rejection. In July 1934, Austrian Nazis attempted a coup d'état aimed at forcibly annexing Austria to Germany, which ended in failure — the majority of the population and the army remained loyal to the government. In March 1938 — a new coup d'état, which resulted in the loss of Austria's independence.