What caused anschluss?

Answer 1

Austria was economically suffering after World War One, due to the heavy reparation fee and the break-up of its empire, both as a result of the Saint-Germain Treaty. There was a great feeling amongst the public that a union with Germany would be best in aidng the country in over-coming these financial difficulties. There were many loyal Nazi Party members living in Austria who co-ordinated mass demonstrations and riots in favour of Anschluss with Germany.

Anschluss had been forbidden in the Treaty of Versailles and the treaty of Saint-Germain. By participating in Anschluss with Austria he was openly defying those terms agreed in the peace treaties. Anschluss was also helping him to fufill his foreign policy aim of Grossdeutschland (or Greater Germany) where he strived for a superior Aryan race.