July 2015

We were entertained by Tony Hickey in July with his superb history of Anschluss - meaning “union,” which was the movement for the union of Germany and Austria. A fascinating period of European history told through a variety of material from covers, stamps, photos, medals to propaganda postcards issued by both Germany and Austria.

Albeit the concept of Anschluss was foundered in 1866, the move towards Anschluss gained momentum after the defeat of the Central Powers in 1918. The victorious Allies set up a series of Treaties to determine the fate of their former enemies, including the Versailies treaty. However, it paid scant attention to the aspirations of the newly created land-locked rump state of Austria. The 1st Republic was once described as “crippled from birth,” hence the desire for union with Germany was strong.