Austria was at a ruin at the time since due to the deeply divided split between the Catholics and Socialists. Hitler used this to his advantage in 1934 when Dollfus, the Catholic leader started a dictatorship by force. When the Nazis led a coup against the dictator, he was killed but the coup failed. Hitler would have invaded Austria but Italy intervened. When Italy expressed disapproval of the attempted takeover, Hitler denied any previous knowledge of the movement and stopped his efforts for then.

    Hitler needed a success to boost nationalism and fast. He decided to take over the small area of Saar. He ran a campaign for the Nazi Party and by January 1935, there was a huge vote for Saar to join Germany. The takeover gave Hitler got important mines and industries that they would need if war was to happen.

    Hitler then marched soldiers into the demilitarized zone of the Rhineland right after hosting the Winter Olympic Games. More information on this takeover can be found at the Nazi Olympics page. 

    In 1936, Hitler was ready to takeover Czechoslovakia. He moved his soldiers near the border ready to attack. But when word came in 1937 that Austria could be taken, the plans to take Czechoslovakia were moved aside. Hitler accused the leaders of Austria of violating the German-Austrian agreements causing the leader to resign. The time was now ripe for a political attack.