1938: CBS World News Roundup | Hitler Annexes Austria as Europe Moves Toward Crisis

The first-ever CBS World News Roundup, broadcast on March 13, 1938, only two days after Germany invaded Austria during the Anschluss. This historic program connected correspondents live from London, Paris, Berlin, Vienna, Washington, and New York, pioneering the format that would become one of radio journalism's longest-running news programs. As Adolf Hitler celebrated the annexation of his native Austria, governments across Europe struggled to determine how to respond. The broadcast captures the world's first reactions to one of the defining turning points on the road to World War II. 00:00 - Historical Context and Introduction 00:26 - The World Reacts to Austria's Annexation 03:29 - International Reactions to Austria's Annexation 07:37 - London's Response to the Austrian Annexation 10:53 - British Reaction to the Austrian Crisis 15:15 - Senator Schwellenbach's Address 19:06 - America's View on the Austrian Crisis Key topics covered in this broadcast: Germany annexes Austria (Anschluss): • The program reports that Austria has officially ceased to exist as an independent nation after German troops crossed the border on March 11. Nazi authorities rapidly consolidate power while Hitler begins a triumphal tour through Austria. Nazification of Austria: • The broadcast describes the swift dismantling of Austrian institutions, including the removal of President Wilhelm Miklas, the flight of Chancellor Kurt Schuschnigg, mass arrests of Jews, Catholic leaders, and government officials, and the takeover of the press and radio by the Nazi regime. Hitler's triumphal return to Austria: • Protected by thousands of security personnel, Hitler prepares to travel from Linz through Salzburg before making his ceremonial entry into Vienna amid massive Nazi-organized celebrations. Growing fears for Czechoslovakia: • Reports indicate that Hermann Göring is already turning attention toward the ethnic Germans living in Czechoslovakia. French military movements and diplomatic efforts suggest that Prague may become Hitler's next objective. France strengthens its defenses: • French forces begin moving mechanized units and artillery eastward while the newly formed French government considers closer cooperation with Britain and the Soviet Union. Britain debates its response: • Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain and Foreign Secretary Lord Halifax meet to determine Britain's policy as Parliament prepares for a heated debate over Germany's aggression. Live reports from Europe's capitals: • Listeners hear eyewitness accounts from London, Paris, Berlin, and Vienna, including reports from future legendary broadcaster Edward R. Murrow describing conditions inside Austria following the German occupation. Public demonstrations in London: • Large crowds gather outside the German Embassy protesting Hitler's actions while demanding protection for Czechoslovakia and condemning fascist expansion across Europe. Italy accepts the Anschluss: • The broadcast notes that Benito Mussolini has effectively approved Germany's annexation of Austria, removing one of the final diplomatic obstacles to Hitler's expansion. America watches from afar: • U.S. Senator Louis B. Schwellenbach reflects on the collapse of collective security in Europe, warning Americans about the dangers of dictatorship while arguing that the United States should strengthen its own democratic institutions rather than become involved in another European war. Significance: This broadcast marks the debut of CBS World News Roundup, one of the most important milestones in broadcast journalism. It also documents the immediate international reaction to the Anschluss, an event widely recognized as a decisive step toward World War II. With live reports from multiple capitals, the program demonstrated radio's unprecedented ability to bring breaking world events directly into American homes. Featuring: Bob Trout (New York) • Edward R. Murrow (Vienna) • William L. Shirer (London) • Ellen Wilkinson (British MP) • Edgar Ansel Mowrer (Paris) • Pierre J. Huss (Berlin) • Senator Louis B. Schwellenbach (Washington) Subscribe for more rare CBS radio broadcasts, historic news reports, and original recordings from the Golden Age of Radio. #CBSRadio #WorldNewsRoundup #Anschluss #Austria1938 #Hitler #EdwardRMurrow #WorldWarII #PreWarEurope #OldTimeRadio #VintageRadio #History