How did Adolf Hitler annex Austria to Nazi Germany in 1938?

The annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany in 1938, known as the Anschluss, was achieved through a combination of political intimidation, military pressure, and the subversion of the Austrian government.

Following years of Nazi agitation, Adolf Hitler summoned Austrian Chancellor Kurt von Schuschnigg to Germany in February 1938. Under threat of military intervention, Schuschnigg was forced to grant Austrian Nazis significant influence, including appointing Arthur Seyss-Inquart as minister of interior and security.12

When Schuschnigg later attempted to reassert independence by announcing a plebiscite, Hitler responded with peremptory demands for the plebiscite's cancellation and Schuschnigg's resignation. Schuschnigg complied and ordered the Austrian Army not to resist. On March 12, 1938, German troops entered Austria. A Nazi government led by Seyss-Inquart was established, which collaborated with Hitler to formally proclaim the Anschluss on March 13. The annexation was subsequently reinforced by a controlled plebiscite in April that recorded a 99.7 percent approval rate.13