The 1938 union or annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany, a pivotal event in World War II history.
From German 'Anschluss' meaning 'connection' or 'union,' from 'anschließen' (to join or connect), historically referring to the specific political unification that became a watershed moment.
The Anschluss is how Hitler achieved major territorial expansion without firing a shot initially—he simply marched in while many Austrians initially welcomed the union, making it a textbook example of how propaganda and economic pressure can reshape borders.
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