Figure 1.--Hitler in the wake of the Wehrmacht moving into Austria, followed the next day. They were greeted by huge crowds in places such as Braunau, Linz, Salzburg, and Vienna. All seemed happy, actually jubilent, over both Hitler and the Anschluß. Herehe is entering a packed stadium in Salzburg. The reception as can be seen by the adoring crod can only be likened to that experienced by modern rock stars.

Hitler entered Austria the following day (March 13). He motored into Austria and was jubiantly cheered by people lining the roads and streets. Hitler and the Wehrmacht were greeted by huge crowds in places such as Braunau, Linz, Salzburg, and Vienna. All seemed happy, actually jubilent, over both Hitler and the Anschluß. Speaking before a jubilent crowd in Linz, announced the 'Anschluß' (Annexation) of Austria into the German Reich. Linz was the town of his youth. Next he arrived in Vienna. He spoke to cheering crowds. A packed stadium greeted the Führer in alburg. The well-orchestrated arrival at the Heldenplatz in Vienna was broadcast by radio around the world. The sound of an enthusiastic crowd was loud. There were also bands playing. An Austrian broadcaster provided commentary with often adoring commennts. There were crows outbursts as Hitler came into view. There were also an English commentator. The Austrian reaction to Hitler was not staged, it was genuine and intense. Historians often explain the connection between the German people in part as the work of Goebbels propaganda campaign and control of the media. But this was not the case in Austria at the time of the Anschluß. Hitler clearly had a message that resonated with many, not all, but with large numbers of Germans and Austrians. This is not to say that the Austrians cheering Hitler had the Holocaust and attrocities in mind, but they clearly liked what they heard.

Created: 3:03 AM 3/27/2015
Last updated: 3:03 AM 3/27/2015