What event did Hitler manipulate in March 1938 to annex Austria?

The event that Hitler manipulated in March 1938 to annex Austria was indeed the annexation vote pressured through intimidation. Leading up to this moment, Hitler orchestrated a campaign of intimidation aimed at both political leaders and the general populace within Austria. He capitalized on the existing Austrian Nazi Party members, who were already aligned with his vision, to foster an atmosphere of fear and coercion.

On March 9, 1938, after sending troops to the border and increasing military pressure, Hitler demanded the appointment of Nazi leaders in key positions in Austria. This culminated in a staged vote on March 13, 1938, where the results were heavily influenced by the intimidation tactics employed by the Nazis. They sought to present an illusion of widespread support for the annexation, yet the actual circumstances were heavily manipulated to ensure that the outcome favored his expansionist agenda.

The other options represent significant events in the lead-up to World War II or alliances that influenced European geopolitics, but they do not directly relate to the methods used in March 1938 to achieve the annexation of Austria. The Munich Conference, for example, occurred later in September 1938 and primarily concerned the Sudetenland in Czechoslovakia, while the Anglo