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Anschluss - Salzburg annexed to the Third Reich |
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With the Anschluss (annexation) to the Third German Reich in 1938 Salzburg became a district of the Reich. After initial economic success within the larger German economic area, the outbreak of war in September 1939 resulted in great misery in the city and land. From 1944 onwards, the city was subjected to 16 bombing attacks in which 531 people lost their life. The city of Salzburg was surrendered without a fight to the approaching US troops on 4 May 1945. The German army capitulated and a provisionally formed regional government took up office under the patronage of the American occupying forces. Regional parliamentary elections were held again on 25 November 1945. The first months following the war were very difficult as it was necessary to provide the population with food distributed in public kitchens throughout the winter. The convoys of food and clothing came mainly from Switzerland. The reconstruction of the city and of the land finally began with help from the Marshall Plan. The following years were marked by economic growth and during this time Salzburg also enjoyed good progress in the social and cultural spheres. Salzburg Festival performances again took place on 13 August 1945. The completion of the Staatsbrücke (State Bridge) as well as the reconstruction of the cathedral which had been bombed and other projects testify to the will of the population to rebuild their city. Nowadays Salzburg occupies a prime position in the Austrian economy and is one of the most attractive locations in Europe for enterprises. |
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