Building an unwanted nation : the Anglo-American partnership and Austrian proponents of a separate nationhood, 1918-1934 / Kevin Mason.

This project focuses on American and British economic, diplomatic, and cultural ties with Austria, and particularly with internal proponents of Austrian independence. Primarily through loans to build up the economy and diplomatic pressure, the United States and Great Britain helped to maintain an independent Austrian state and prevent an Anschluss or union with Germany from 1918 to 1934. In addition, this study examines the minority of Austrians who opposed an Anschluss. The three main groups of Austrians that supported independence were the Christian Social Party, monarchists, and some industries and industrialists. These Austrian nationalists cooperated with the Americans and British in sustaining an unwilling Austrian nation. Ultimately, the global depression weakened American and British capacity to practice dollar and pound diplomacy, and the popular appeal of Hitler combined with Nazi Germany's aggression led to the realization of the Anschluss. Other works on the Anschluss have not given adequate attention to the years 1918 to 1934, the critical American and British role in Austrian affairs, and the Anschluss opponents. The study of cooperation between the United States and Great Britain in terms of nation-building and economic aid has taken on renewed significance in recent years.