1. German Troops Enter Austria: Early in the morning of September 9, German troops began crossing the border into Austria. They encountered little resistance from Austrian authorities and civilians.
2. Proclamation by Adolf Hitler: Adolf Hitler, the leader of Nazi Germany, arrived in Linz, Austria, and proclaimed the union between Germany and Austria. He declared that Austria would become a province of the German Reich.
3. Public Support and Opposition: Some Austrians welcomed the Anschluss with enthusiasm, viewing it as a fulfillment of their nationalist desires. However, many Austrians opposed the annexation and resented the German occupation.
4. International Reactions: The Anschluss drew strong reactions from other European nations. The United Kingdom, France, and the United States condemned the German action as a violation of international law and Austrian sovereignty. However, no immediate military intervention occurred.
5. Anti-Semitic Measures: Following the Anschluss, the Nazi regime began implementing anti-Semitic measures in Austria. Jewish citizens faced discrimination, persecution, and violence. Many were arrested, imprisoned, or deported to concentration camps.
6. Impact on World War II: The Anschluss was a significant step in Hitler's expansionist plans. It increased the size and power of Nazi Germany and emboldened Hitler to pursue further territorial ambitions, ultimately leading to the outbreak of World War II in 1939.
The Anschluss marked a dark day in European history, as it represented the loss of Austrian independence and sovereignty and paved the way for further aggression by Nazi Germany. The event left a lasting impact on international relations and contributed to the escalation of tensions that led to the Second World War.