1933: GERMANY: Paul Von Hindenburg, President of Germany, dropped the flag of the German Republic, and ordered that the Empire banner (black - white - red stripe) and the Swastika (red - with white circle - with black swastika) be flown side by side. (Mike Ballard)
1938: AUSTRIA: German Chancellor Adolf Hitler announces an "Anschluss" (union) between Germany and Austria, in fact annexing the smaller nation into a greater Germany. In 1938, Austrian Chancellor Kurt von Schuschnigg, bullied by Hitler during a meeting at Hitler's retreat in Berchtesgaden, Germany, agreed to a greater Nazi presence within Austria. He appointed a Nazi minister of police and announced an amnesty for all Nazi prisoners. Schuschnigg hoped that agreeing to Hitler's demands would prevent a German invasion. But Hitler insisted on greater German influence on the internal affairs of Austria--even placing German army troops within Austria--and Schuschnigg repudiated the agreement signed at Berchtesgaden, demanding a plebiscite on the question. Through the machinations of Hitler and his devotees within Austria, the plebiscite was canceled, and Schuschnigg resigned on 11 March. In his resignation address, under coercion from the Nazis, he pleaded with Austrian forces not to resist a German "advance" into the country. As the German troops, accompanied by Hitler, crossed the border, they were met by enthusiastic crowds. Hitler announced his Anschluss, and a plebiscite was finally held on 10 April. Whether the plebiscite was rigged or the resulting vote simply a testament to Austrian terror at Hitler's determination, the Fuhrer garnered a whopping 99.7 percent approval for the union of Germany and Austria which then became a federal state of Germany until the end of World War II, when the Allied powers declared the Anschluss void and reestablished an independent Austria. Schuschnigg, who had been imprisoned soon after resigning, was released in 1945.
March 12th, 1939 (SUNDAY)
GERMANY: For the first time Hero Commemoration Day is combined with the celebration of the freedom to rearm.
SPAIN: Republican Communist leader Dr. Negrin, his cabinet and Russian advisors leave Madrid.