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Shortly after the Anschluss of Austria, the Volksdeutsche Mittelstelle, in connection with the German National Movement in Liechtenstein (VDBL), a Nazi organization in Liechtenstein, planned for the VBDL to be democratically elected into power via funding from Germany, then it would end the customs union with Switzerland and align towards Germany, leading to an eventual annexation of ...
In World War II, Switzerland, and to a lesser extent Sweden and the United States, performed these roles for both sides. When the US entered the war in late 1941, Switzerland took over its mandates. In terms of major roles Swiss diplomats had the mandate to protect Germany's interest in Britain, the United States, Yugoslavia, Turkey, and Dutch ...
After World War II, many Austrians sought comfort in the myth of Austria as being the first victim of the Nazis. [4] Although the Nazi Party was promptly banned, Austria did not have the same thorough process of denazification that was imposed on post-war Germany.
The German Confederation was also led by Austria from 1815 to 1866. In 1866 Austria was firstly separated from Germany and German Confederation was dissolved. In 1867, the multi-ethnic Austro-Hungarian Empire was established and led by Austria; it was rivaled by the North German Confederation from 1866 to 1871 and German Empire led by the Kingdom of Prussia rivaled Austria.
Switzerland then attempted to strengthen its defensive capabilities. However, it was forced to diplomatically recognize the annexation of Austria due to Germany's overwhelming power. After the end of the Second World War, Switzerland provided Austria with humanitarian aid in the form of donations amounting to at least 53.5 million Swiss francs. [2]
The Greater Germanic Reich (German: Großgermanisches Reich), fully styled the Greater Germanic Reich of the German Nation (German: Großgermanisches Reich der Deutschen Nation), [4] was the official state name of the political entity that Nazi Germany tried to establish in Europe during World War II. [5]
About 1.2 million Austrians served in all branches of the German armed forces during World War II. After the defeat of the Axis Powers, the Allies occupied Austria in four occupation zones set up at the end of World War II until 1955, when the country again became a fully independent republic under the condition that it remained neutral.
The diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Germany were frequently subjected to considerable strain during the Second World War, particularly following the decision taken in September 1939 not to acknowledge the legitimacy of newly established states or regimes while maintaining diplomatic relations with those that had existed before the ...