1939 Liechtenstein putsch

1939 Liechtenstein putsch
Date24 March 1939
Location47°10′43″N 9°31′20″E / 47.17861°N 9.52222°E / 47.17861; 9.52222
Result

Coup failed

  • German invasion failed to materialize
  • VDBL leadership arrested or fled
Belligerents
German National Movement in Liechtenstein
Supported by:
 Nazi Germany (unofficial)
Progressive Citizens' Party
Patriotic Union
House of Liechtenstein
Commanders and leaders
Theodor Schädler
Alfons Goop
Strength
40 or more Unknown

The 1939 Liechtenstein putsch, also known as the Annexation putsch (German: Anschlussputsch) was an unsuccessful coup d'état by the German National Movement in Liechtenstein (Volksdeutsche Bewegung in Liechtenstein or VDBL) on 24 March 1939 designed to provoke Liechtenstein's annexation by Nazi Germany.

The plan was for members of the VDBL to march on Vaduz and seize control of the government, which was hoped would cause clashes between them and the government. German troops from Feldkirch would then move into Liechtenstein in response to a call for help and incorporate the country into Germany. The plan failed as the VDBL was stopped by opponents and most members were arrested or fled. Following World War II, several people were charged for their actions during the coup, of which seven were convicted.[1]

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