1937, Feb. 14. 2001. The Encyclopedia of World History

The Encyclopedia of World History. 2001.


1937, Feb. 14

Schuschnigg publicly claimed the right to decide the question of Habsburg restoration. All indications were that he was veering more and more in that direction. This was highly objectionable to Hitler and to the entire Nazi party, and probably accounts for the recrudescence of Nazi demonstrations and mutual recrimination (Feb.). Schuschnigg's position was further weakened by the conclusion of the Rome-Berlin Axis (See Oct. 25) and by Mussolini's preoccupation with the Spanish civil war.	1

April 22

Schuschnigg visited Mussolini at Venice, where he was warned that Italy could not be counted on to give armed support against Germany. Mussolini seems further to have opposed the projected restoration of the Habsburgs and to have objected to a suggested alliance between Austria and Czechoslovakia for common defense. His advice was that Schuschnigg make his peace with Hitler and admit Nazis to the government. Schuschnigg rejected this advice but continued throughout the year to further negotiations with Czechoslovakia and the Little Entente. Indications were that, deserted by Italy, he was seeking and finding a measure of support from France and its allies. This policy, on the other hand, led to much dissatisfaction in Germany and to ever more outspoken demands on the part of the Austrian Nazis and Pan-Germans.	2


The Encyclopedia of World History, Sixth edition. Peter N. Stearns, general editor. Copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Maps by Mary Reilly, copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.