Hitler Takes Austria

Chancellor Kurt Von Schuschnigg met with Hitler in March of 1938 hoping to keep Austria independent from Germany. Hitler had many demands and trying to avoid war, Schuschnigg compromised and made Nazi supporter, Seyss,International Minister of Interior. He also appointed several Nazi supporters to the Cabinet. This was not good enough for Hitler. Hitler wanted him to convince President Miklas to ratify the ultimatum, but Miklas refused. Nazi agitators began creating havoc within and Schuschnigg began to crumble. The political unrest caused economic turmoil. Overseas trading stopped; people withdrew money from banks. Knowing a few provinces surrounding them had been seized and that they were no longer under the protection of Italy, Schuschnigg announced the people would be allowed to vote. But, under more pressure from Hitler, and the uncooperation of Miklas, and the lack of allies, Schuschnigg resigned to avoid an outbreak of violence. One day later, Austria was invaded. (Sources History Channel, BBC, and The Hostory Place.com)