Anschluss

 __ Anschluss __  **Anschluss ****: ** A unification, 'joinder', or annexation

At the end of the First World War, after the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the majority of the German speaking people in Austria wanted to unite with the new German Republic. But, the terms of the Treaty of Versailles forbade it. After Adolf Hitler became German Chancellor the demands for the union of Austria and Germany increased. In February, 1938, Hitler invited Kurt von Schuschnigg, the Austrian Chancellor, to meet with him in Berchtesgarden. There, Hitler demanded concessions for the Austrian Nazi Party. Schuschnigg refused and was replaced by Arthur Seyss-Inquart, the leader of the Austrian Nazi Party, after he resigned. On March 13th, Seyss-Inquart invited the German Army to occupy Austria and proclaimed union with Germany. Austria was renamed Ostmark and placed under leadership of Arthur Seyss-Inquart. The Austrian Ernst Katlenbrunner was named Minister of State and head of the Schutz Staffeinel (SS).