In the early 1930s, the Austrian government was looking toward a possible customs union with Germany. However, Hitler's rise to power and the hostility of the Austrian-Nazis made the Austrian government reconsider. Hitler was determined to unify Austria with Germany, by force if necessary.

In an attempt to weaken the Austrian-Nazis' support for the union, the Austrian Chancellor, Dollfuss, banned the Nazi Party. Hitler tried to reverse the Austrian government's efforts by ordering the Austrian-Nazis to create havoc. This riot turned into an attempt to overthrow the government. The attempt failed because the Austrian military succeeded in defeating the rioters; although they did manage to kill Chancellor DollFuss.

In 1934, Italy agreed to protect Austria from outside forces. Mussolini, the Italian dictator, honored the agreement and set up troops on the Austrian borders to prevent Germany from invading.

The new Chancellor of Austria, Schuschnigg, tried to stave off German...