This Austrian documentary tells the story of Austria during the annexation of March / April 1938 by the German Third Reich. It starts with the invasion of German troops on the 12th of March, 1938.
Although there were no border fights and lots of Austrians were jubilant at the parading Germans through the Austrian avenues, for many Austrians this means the end of their freedom. First of all Communists and socialists, but also Catholics. Prominent leaders like Kurt Schusnigg, the Chancellor of the Austrian republic, and Karl Seitz, Socialist politician were taken prisoner by the Gestapo. They were locked up in the new camp Dachau. Even worse was the fate of the Austrian Jews, whose brutal repression started right after the Anschluss of Austria.
But lots of Austrians enthusiastically welcomed the Nazi-boots and the opportunities this new order would provide. Being part of the megalomania German empire gave the Austrians the sense of belonging. And, true to the expectations of many Austrians, after the Anschluss the unemployment declined, bolstering the feeling that the Third Reich would bring a better future.
This documentary shows lots of unknown footage and many interviews with eyewitnesses. This makes it very worthwhile, although the spoken language is German.