Nazi Austria (King of America)

Österisches Reich Austrian Reich ← 1933–1944 → Flag Coat of arms Nazi Austria (green) and occupied regions or puppet states (light green) Capital Vienna Official language German Religion None Government Nazi single-party state Totalitarian dictatorship President / Führer  - 1933-1934 Wilhelm Miklas  - 1934-1946 Adolf Hitler Chancellor  - 1933-1946 Adolf Hitler History  - Machtergreifung 30 January 1933  - Gleichschaltung 27 February 1933  - Anschluss 12 March 1938  - World War II 15 August 1939  - Surrender and occupation 22 July 1944 Currency Austrian schilling Today part of Germany Poland Czechoslovakia Italy Yugoslavia

Nazi Austria is a common name for Austria from 1933 to 1946, when it was under the control of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party (NSOAP). Under Hitler's rule, Austria was transformed into a Fascist totalitarian state which controlled nearly all aspects of life. Nazi Austria ceased to exist after the Allied Forces defeated Austria in February 1946, ending World War II in Europe.

Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Austria by the President of the United States of Greater Austria Wilhelm Miklas on 30 January 1933. The Nazi Party then began to eliminate all political opposition and consolidate its power. Miklas was under heavy pressure to hand over his power to Hitler, and on 2 August 1934, he resigned. Hitler became dictator of Austria by merging the powers and offices of the Chancellery and Presidency. A national referendum held 19 August 1934 confirmed Hitler as sole Führer (leader) of Austria. All power was centralised in Hitler's hands, and his word became above all laws. The government was not a coordinated, cooperating body, but a collection of factions struggling for power and Hitler's favour. In the midst of the Great Depression, the Nazis restored economic stability and ended mass unemployment using heavy military spending and a mixed economy. Extensive public works were undertaken, including the construction of Autobahns (high speed highways). The return to economic stability boosted the regime's popularity.

Racism, especially antisemitism, was a central feature of the regime. The Germanic peoples (the Nordic race) were considered the purest of the Aryan race, and therefore the master race. Jews and others deemed undesirable were persecuted and murdered. Opposition to Hitler's rule was ruthlessly suppressed. Members of the liberal, socialist, and communist opposition were killed, imprisoned, or exiled. The Christian churches were also oppressed, with many leaders imprisoned. Education focused on racial biology, population policy, and fitness for military service. Career and educational opportunities for women were curtailed. Recreation and tourism were organised via the Strength Through Joy program. The government controlled artistic expression, promoting specific art forms and banning or discouraging others.