Correct spelling for the English word "Anschluss" is [ˈanʃlʌs], [ˈanʃlʌs], [ˈa_n_ʃ_l_ʌ_s] (IPA phonetic alphabet).
Anschluss is a German term that literally means "connection" or "joining together." It specifically refers to the union or incorporation of one territory or state with another territory or state. Historically, the term gained significant prominence due to its association with the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany in 1938.
The Anschluss, also known as the "Annexation of Austria," involved the forcible integration of the independent Republic of Austria into the German Reich under Adolf Hitler's regime. This action violated the Treaty of Versailles and directly challenged the sovereignty of Austria. The Nazi government justified the Anschluss on grounds of historical and ethnic connections between Germany and Austria, promoting a notion of a unified German-speaking nation.
The term Anschluss has since become synonymous with the idea of political absorption, particularly when a larger, dominant state assumes control over a smaller, subordinate entity. It highlights the supremacy of one political entity over another, often accompanied by the suppression of the latter's national autonomy or identity. The usage of Anschluss has extended beyond its specific historical context, finding application in various fields such as politics, international relations, and social integration.
Due to the historical connotations and sensitivity surrounding the term, it carries a significant emotional and political weight, particularly when discussing the issue of territorial integrity and self-determination of nations.
The word Anschluss is borrowed from German, specifically from the noun anschließen, which means to connect or to annex.