Österreich zwischen Isolation und Anschluss

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The period from late September 1937 to early March 1938 marks one of the most tragic chapters in 20th-century Austrian history, detailing the path to the extinction of the Austrian state. This volume explores the foreign policy of the Ballhausplatz amid rising Nazi influence in Austria and the diminishing support from fascist Italy, ultimately leading to annexation. It documents the conference of the Roman Protocols in Budapest and the international reactions to the Italian-Austrian-Hungarian discussions. A significant focus is on the pivotal Berchtesgaden meeting between Hitler and Schuschnigg, which serves as the book's centerpiece. The narrative concludes with the aftermath of the Obersalzberg meeting, including changes in the Viennese cabinet, the ongoing infiltration of Nazi ideology in Austria, the government's referendum plans, and the realities of the Third Reich's actions. The material highlights the lack of decisive positions from Western powers and the management of the German-Austrian crisis in 1938, emphasizing that key decisions were made by a small circle of influential figures. This final volume provides a comprehensive view of the political landscape during Austria's last efforts to maintain its independence.