Final answer:
Hitler annexed Austria in March 1938 seeking to unite all German-speaking people. This action was driven by economic instability and Hitler's desire for German resurgence. The move had varying reactions, from support among nationalists to fear among Hitler's detractors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Adolf Hitler took over Austria in March 1938, a move that was in violation of the Versailles Treaty which had specifically prohibited the unification of Germany and Austria.
Hitler rationalized this action by stating that his aim was to unite ethnic Germans under one rule, essentially consolidating all German-speaking people into one nation. Austria's prime minister tried to prevent this by calling for a referendum. Regardless, Hitler preemptively sent troops into Austria. When the referendum was finally held, the majority of Austrians voted in favor of a union with Germany.
Many factors contributed to Hitler's ambitions, such as his hatred for the Treaty of Versailles, his desire for the resurgence of Germany, the need for Lebensraum ("living space"), and the economic instability due to the Great Depression. The Nazis, gaining popularity during the dire economic conditions, promised to bring Germany back to its former glory. With this, Hitler effectively rose to the position of a dictator with the Nazis as the leading party in German legislature.
The reaction to Hitler's move varied. For those who supported Hitler, there was a sense of nationalistic pride. However, for the detractors, life was a persistent fright and struggle. Hitler's aggressive steps in Austria set a precedent, which led to more aggressive German stances eventually leading to World War II.
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