Kurt von Schuschnigg

Kurt von Schuschnigg was an Austrian politician who served as Chancellor of Austria from 1934 until 1938. He led the country during a time of increasing pressure from Nazi Germany, attempting to maintain Austria's independence while facing growing influence from Adolf Hitler. Schuschnigg favored a conservative, Catholic approach and sought to preserve Austria's sovereignty through diplomatic means. However, in 1938, he was forced to resign amid a Nazi orchestrated coup, leading to Austria's annexation by Germany, known as the Anschluss. His legacy reflects the challenges small nations faced in the face of totalitarianism.