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Austria had made a deal with Italy in which Italy would protect Austria from invaders, so when Mussolini, the Italian dictator, heard of Hitler's plans he lined up his troops on the Austrian borders therefore crushing any German invasion plans.
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Hitler, the leader of Germany, and Schuschnigg, the Austrian leader made a deal stating that Austria was a free country but it would follow the same foreign policy as Germany. Schuschnigg thought Hitler would be pleased with this but unfortunately
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Hitler invite Schuschnigg to his summer retreat at Berchtesgaden. Hitler demands that Nazi members are given key positions in the Austrian government. Schuschnigg compromised that nazi member Seyss-Inquart be made Minister of the Interior
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The Austrian calls on a referendum asking the Austrian people if the wanted to stay independent or join Hitler's Germany. this mad Hitler angry
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Hitler orders his generals to prepare for invasion of Austria.
Hitler order the referendum to be called off. Schuschnigg knowing he would not recieve help form Italy and that the allies wouldn't interfere, he obeyed Hitler. -
Schuschnigg is forced to resigned and Seyss Inquart, former Minister of the Interior , took over, and invited Germany.
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the Fench governmnet collapses so can no longer help
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Italy was consulted & agreed not to interfere
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The results showed that the Austrian people approved of German control of their country. This plebiscite (vote) shows that 99.75% of Austrians are happy with Anschluss.
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Criticised methods and called for withdrawal – did not back this up
Believed Anschluss was inevitable – close links with Germany
Austrians in favour – what’s the problem?
