What was the official designation of Ostmark within Nazi Germany?

Ostmark was officially designated as a Reichsgau of Nazi Germany. A Reichsgau was a primary administrative division established by the Nazi Party to govern territories incorporated into the German Reich, replacing older state structures.

What city served as the capital of Ostmark?

The capital city of Ostmark was Vienna. Vienna was the largest city and administrative center of the territory.

Who held the position of Reichsstatthalter in Ostmark?

Arthur Seyss-Inquart held the position of Reichsstatthalter in Ostmark. He served in this role from 1938 to 1939.

In what year was Ostmark established as a Reichsgau?

Ostmark was established as a Reichsgau in 1938. This followed the annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany, known as the Anschluss.

When did the administrative entity known as Ostmark cease to be officially recognized under that name?

The administrative entity known as Ostmark ceased to be the official name for the seven Reichsgaue from April 8, 1942. On this date, the designation was changed to Alpen- und Donau-Reichsgaue.

What political entity preceded the establishment of Ostmark?

The Federal State of Austria preceded the establishment of Ostmark. This was the political entity governing Austria before its incorporation into Nazi Germany.

What political entity succeeded Ostmark after its name change?

After Ostmark's name was changed in 1942, the successor designation was Alpen- und Donau-Reichsgaue. This new name encompassed the same seven administrative regions.

What flag was depicted as representing Ostmark in the infobox?

The flag depicted as representing Ostmark was the Flag of Germany used from 1935 to 1945. This flag featured the swastika symbol, which was the official emblem of Nazi Germany.

What coat of arms was associated with Ostmark in the infobox?

The coat of arms associated with Ostmark was the Reichsadler Deutsches Reich (1935–1945). This emblem, featuring an eagle, served as the official symbol of the German Reich during the Nazi era.

What historical entity in Austria is the name Ostmark also associated with?

The name Ostmark is also historically associated with the Margraviate of Austria, a medieval frontier march. This historical reference was invoked by the Nazis to symbolize Austria's new role.

What is the literal English translation of the German word Ostmark?

The German word Ostmark literally translates to Eastern March in English. This name refers to a frontier territory located in the east.

Why did the Nazi government choose to rename Austria after the Anschluss?

The Nazi government renamed Austria after the Anschluss to symbolize its incorporation into the German Reich and to erase its identity as an independent state. The name change aimed to integrate Austria administratively and ideologically into Greater Germany.

What historical precedent did the Nazi renaming of Austria to Ostmark reference?

The Nazi renaming of Austria to Ostmark referenced the historical Margraviate of Austria, also known as Marcha orientalis, which existed in the 10th century. This connection was used to portray Austria as the Reich's new eastern march.

What symbolic meaning did the Nazi regime intend to convey by calling Austria Ostmark?

The Nazi regime intended to convey that Austria was now the new eastern march of the German Reich. This renaming aimed to integrate Austria conceptually and politically into the expanded German territory.

What was the official name for Austria used by the Nazi government from the Anschluss until 1939?

From the Anschluss until 1939, the official name used for Austria was Land Österreich, which translates to State of Austria. This designation was used before the territory was further reorganized into Reichsgaue.

What legislation enacted the reorganization of Austria's former states into Reichsgaue?

The reorganization of Austria's former states into Reichsgaue was enacted by the Ostmarkgesetz. This law fundamentally changed the administrative structure of the incorporated territory.

What was the effective date of the Ostmarkgesetz?

The Ostmarkgesetz took effect on May 1, 1939. This legislation formally established the administrative divisions known as Reichsgaue within Ostmark.

How did the Ostmarkgesetz alter the administrative structure of Austria?

The Ostmarkgesetz reorganized the former federal states of Austria into seven Reichsgaue. This move replaced the existing state structure with a new administrative system aligned with Nazi Germany's governance model.

What was the general administrative principle of the Third Reich regarding its subdivisions?

The Third Reich operated under a principle of complete centralization, where administrative subdivisions like the Reichsgaue replaced the former federal states. This ensured direct control from the central Nazi government.

What dual governmental positions were held by officials governing each Reichsgau?

Officials governing each Reichsgau held the dual positions of Reichsstatthalter (governor) and Gauleiter (Nazi Party leader). This combined civil and party authority ensured centralized control.

Can you list the seven Reichsgaue that were established within Ostmark?

The seven Reichsgaue established within Ostmark were: Carinthia (including East Tyrol), Lower Danube (Niederdonau), Salzburg, Styria, Upper Danube (Oberdonau), Tyrol (including Vorarlberg), and Vienna (Greater Vienna).

Which Reichsgau incorporated Carinthia, including East Tyrol, and later expanded its territory?

The Reichsgau of Carinthia incorporated Carinthia, including East Tyrol, and was later expanded with Slovenian Carinthia and Upper Carniola after the 1941 Balkans Campaign. This expansion reflected territorial gains during World War II.

What was the former Austrian state renamed Niederdonau Reichsgau, and where was its capital located?

The former Austrian state of Lower Austria was renamed Niederdonau (Lower Danube) Reichsgau, with its capital located at Krems an der Donau. This administrative change altered the historical boundaries and names of Austrian states.

Besides Lower Austria, what additional territories were incorporated into the Niederdonau Reichsgau?

The Niederdonau Reichsgau incorporated the northern districts of Burgenland, including Eisenstadt, as well as South Moravian territories around Znojmo (Deutsch-Südmähren) annexed with the Sudetenland. It also included the Bratislava boroughs of Petržalka (Engerau) and Devín (Theben).

What was the name of the Reichsgau that corresponded to the Austrian state of Salzburg?

The Reichsgau that corresponded to the Austrian state of Salzburg was simply named Salzburg. It maintained the name of the original state.

Which Reichsgau was formed from Styria, and what occupied territory was added to it?

The Reichsgau of Styria was formed from the state of Styria and was later increased by Lower Styria as occupied territory following the 1941 Balkans Campaign. This expansion incorporated areas previously outside Austrian borders.

What Austrian state formed the basis for the Oberdonau Reichsgau, and what specific region was included?

The Austrian state of Upper Austria formed the basis for the Oberdonau (Upper Danube) Reichsgau. This region also included the Styrian Ausseerland and the South Bohemian territories around Český Krumlov, which were annexed with the Sudetenland.

Which Reichsgau comprised North Tyrol and the administrative district of Vorarlberg?

The Reichsgau that comprised North Tyrol and the administrative district of Vorarlberg was named Tyrol. This administrative unit combined these western Austrian regions.

How was Vienna's administrative status changed within Ostmark, and what did Greater Vienna include?

Vienna's administrative status was changed to form the Reichsgau of Vienna, referred to as Greater Vienna. This included several surrounding Lower Austrian municipalities that were incorporated in 1938, expanding the city's administrative boundaries.

When was the term Ostmark officially replaced by a new designation for the seven Reichsgaue?

The term Ostmark was officially replaced by a new designation on April 8, 1942. This change reflected a shift in Nazi administrative naming conventions.

What new name was adopted in April 1942 for the administrative regions previously known as Ostmark?

In April 1942, the new official name adopted for the seven Reichsgaue was Alpen- und Donau-Reichsgaue, meaning Danubian and Alpine Reichsgaue. This name change aimed to move away from the term Ostmark, which was still too reminiscent of the independent Austrian state.

What was the stated reason for changing the name from Ostmark in 1942?

The stated reason for changing the name from Ostmark in 1942 was that the term was still too reminiscent of the old, independent state of Austria. The Nazis sought to further distance the administrative regions from Austria's previous national identity.

What international agreement mandated the restoration of the Austrian state after World War II?

The restoration of the Austrian state after World War II was mandated by the 1943 Moscow Declaration. This declaration affirmed the Allied powers' intention to re-establish Austria as a sovereign nation.

According to the Moscow Declaration, within what borders was the Austrian state restored?

According to the Moscow Declaration, the Austrian state was restored within its pre-1938 borders. This meant that the territory of Austria before the Anschluss was re-established.

What information is presented in the administrative map of Ostmark from 1941?

The administrative map of Ostmark from 1941 depicts the Reichsgaue and CdZ Gebiete (Chief Civil Administration Areas) subdivided into Landkreise (districts) and Stadtkreise (urban districts). It visually represents the administrative divisions of the territory at that time.

What was the purpose of the Ostmarkgesetz in relation to Austria's governance?

The purpose of the Ostmarkgesetz was to formally reorganize the former federal states of Austria into seven Reichsgaue. This law served to implement the Nazi regime's centralized administrative control over the territory.

What was the historical context for the term Marcha orientalis mentioned in relation to Ostmark?

The term Marcha orientalis refers to the historical Margraviate of Austria, which was a frontier march established in the 10th century. Its inclusion in the text highlights the historical roots invoked by the Nazi renaming of Austria.

What was the German term for the State of Austria used officially from the Anschluss until 1939?

The German term used officially for Austria from the Anschluss until 1939 was Land Österreich. This translates to State of Austria and was the designation before the territory was fully integrated into the Reich's administrative structure.

What was the primary function of the infobox image depicting the Flag of Germany (1935–1945) and the Reichsadler in the context of Ostmark?

The infobox images of the Flag of Germany (1935–1945) and the Reichsadler Deutsches Reich (1935–1945) served to visually identify Ostmark with the symbols of Nazi Germany. These emblems represented the political authority and national identity imposed upon the territory after the Anschluss.

How did the incorporation of territories like Znojmo (Deutsch-Südmähren) and the Bratislava boroughs into Niederdonau illustrate the administrative changes?

The incorporation of territories like Znojmo (Deutsch-Südmähren) and the Bratislava boroughs into the Niederdonau Reichsgau illustrated the administrative changes by demonstrating the expansion and redrawing of borders beyond Austria's pre-Anschluss territory. These additions reflected Nazi Germany's territorial ambitions and reorganization strategies.

How did the incorporation of territories like Český Krumlov into Oberdonau illustrate the administrative changes?

The incorporation of territories like Český Krumlov into the Oberdonau Reichsgau illustrated the administrative changes by showing how areas previously part of Czechoslovakia, annexed under the Munich Agreement, were integrated into the new Austrian administrative structure. This highlighted the territorial realignments occurring within Nazi Germany.

What was the relationship between the Reichsstatthalter and the Gauleiter in the administration of the Reichsgaue?

The Reichsstatthalter and the Gauleiter held dual offices, combining the roles of governor and Nazi Party leader within each Reichsgau. This structure ensured that both the state administration and the party apparatus were unified under a single authority, reinforcing Nazi control.

What was the significance of the term Reichsgau in the administrative structure of Nazi Germany?

The Reichsgau was a significant administrative subdivision within Nazi Germany, established to replace the traditional federal states. It represented a key element in the Nazi regime's policy of centralizing power and imposing uniform governance across the Reich.

What was the specific meaning of the term Niederdonau as a Reichsgau name?

The term Niederdonau, meaning Lower Danube, was the name given to the Reichsgau that encompassed the former Austrian state of Lower Austria. Its capital was located in Krems an der Donau.

What was the specific meaning of the term Oberdonau as a Reichsgau name?

The term Oberdonau, meaning Upper Danube, was the name given to the Reichsgau that encompassed the former Austrian state of Upper Austria. This region also included territories like the Ausseerland and areas annexed from Bohemia.

What was the primary reason for the Nazi government's renaming of Austria to Ostmark?

The primary reason for the Nazi government's renaming of Austria to Ostmark was to symbolically integrate the territory into Nazi Germany and diminish its distinct national identity. The name evoked historical connections to frontier marches, positioning Austria as an eastern part of the Reich.

How did the administrative structure of Ostmark reflect the centralization policies of the Third Reich?

The administrative structure of Ostmark reflected the centralization policies of the Third Reich by replacing the former federal states with uniform Reichsgaue. This eliminated regional autonomy and ensured direct control from Berlin, aligning with the Nazi goal of a highly centralized state.

What historical event led to the incorporation of Austria into Nazi Germany and the subsequent creation of Ostmark?

The historical event that led to the incorporation of Austria into Nazi Germany and the subsequent creation of Ostmark was the Anschluss. This annexation occurred in March 1938, marking the end of Austria's independence.

What was the significance of the Moscow Declaration in relation to Austria's post-World War II status?

The Moscow Declaration in 1943 was significant because it declared the annexation of Austria by Germany null and void and affirmed the intention to restore Austria as a sovereign nation. This declaration laid the groundwork for Austria's re-establishment after the war.

How did the administrative divisions of Ostmark, like Niederdonau and Oberdonau, reflect geographical and historical contexts?

The administrative divisions Niederdonau (Lower Danube) and Oberdonau (Upper Danube) were named after the course of the Danube River, reflecting geographical features within the former Austrian territory. These names also carried historical connotations related to the regions they encompassed.

Ostmark Austria Wiki: Ostmark: The Nazi Reorganization of Austria

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What was Ostmark?

Historical and Political Designation

The term "Ostmark" historically referred to the Margraviate of Austria, a medieval frontier march. In the context of Nazi Germany, from 1938 to 1942, it was used in propaganda to designate the formerly independent Federal State of Austria following its annexation (the Anschluss) into Nazi Germany.^[1] This renaming was intended to signify Austria's new role as the "eastern march" of the Greater German Reich.

Official Naming Conventions

Following the Anschluss, the official name used for Austria from 1938 until 1939 was "Land Österreich" (State of Austria). The term "Ostmark" gained prominence as the administrative structure was reorganized into Reichsgaue. Later, from April 8, 1942, the collective term for these entities was changed to "Alpen- und Donau-Reichsgaue" (Alpine and Danubian Reichsgaue), reflecting a further shift away from the historical Austrian identity.

Historical Context

From Anschluss to Annexation

After Adolf Hitler orchestrated the union of Austria and Germany (the Anschluss), the Nazi government formally renamed the incorporated territory. The choice of "Ostmark" was deliberate, evoking the historical "eastern march" (Marcha orientalis) of the Holy Roman Empire. This nomenclature served to integrate Austria conceptually into the Reich, diminishing its distinct historical identity and emphasizing its function as a frontier territory.

Administrative Reorganization

The transition involved a fundamental restructuring of Austria's political geography. The existing federal states were abolished and replaced by a new administrative division system. This reorganization was formalized through legislation, establishing the Reichsgaue as the primary sub-national administrative units within the centralized Nazi state.

Administrative Structure: Reichsgaue

The Seven Reichsgaue

Effective May 1, 1939, the Ostmarkgesetz (Ostmark Law) reorganized the former Austrian states into seven Reichsgaue. Each Reichsgau was governed by a Reichsstatthalter, who also held the position of Gauleiter (Nazi Party leader), consolidating power under party control. These divisions incorporated territories beyond the pre-1938 Austrian borders due to wartime annexations.

Carinthia: Included East Tyrol, and later annexed Slovenian Carinthia and Upper Carniola following the 1941 Balkans Campaign.
Lower Danube (Niederdonau): Comprised Lower Austria (capital Krems), northern Burgenland (including Eisenstadt), and South Moravian territories around Znojmo (Deutsch-Südmähren), along with the Bratislava boroughs of Petralka (Engerau) and Devín (Theben) as per the 1938 Munich Agreement.
Salzburg: The state of Salzburg.
Styria: Included southern Burgenland, and later annexed Lower Styria after the 1941 Balkans Campaign.
Upper Danube (Oberdonau): Encompassed Upper Austria, the Styrian Ausseerland region, and South Bohemian territories around Český Krumlov, annexed under the 1938 Munich Agreement.
Tyrol: Consisted of North Tyrol and the administrative district of Vorarlberg.
Vienna: Referred to as "Greater Vienna," incorporating several surrounding municipalities from Lower Austria that were annexed in 1938.

The establishment of Reichsgaue marked a move towards complete centralization within the Third Reich, superseding the previous federal state structure.

Governance and Administration

Capital and Leadership

The capital of the Ostmark was Vienna. The primary administrative figure was the Reichsstatthalter (Governor of the Reich). For the period of 1938–1939, this role was held by Arthur Seyss-Inquart, who also served as the Gauleiter for Vienna, embodying the dual party-state authority characteristic of the Nazi regime.

Legal Framework

The Ostmarkgesetz, enacted with effect from May 1, 1939, provided the legal basis for the reorganization of Austria into Reichsgaue. This legislation effectively dissolved the former federal states and integrated them into the centralized administrative framework of Nazi Germany, underscoring the complete absorption of Austria into the Reich.

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References

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Ostmark: The Nazi Reorganization of Austria

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

What was Ostmark? ℹ️

🏛️ Historical and Political Designation

📅 Official Naming Conventions

Historical Context 📜

➡️ From Anschluss to Annexation

🔄 Administrative Reorganization

Administrative Structure: Reichsgaue 🗺️

🏛️ The Seven Reichsgaue

Governance and Administration ⚙️

👑 Capital and Leadership

⚖️ Legal Framework

Related Topics 🔗

🌍 Historical Connections

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

What was Ostmark?

Historical and Political Designation

Official Naming Conventions

Historical Context

From Anschluss to Annexation

Administrative Reorganization

Administrative Structure: Reichsgaue

The Seven Reichsgaue

Governance and Administration

Capital and Leadership

Legal Framework

Related Topics

Historical Connections

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice