Meaning: The quote "The National Socialist Party in Austria never tried to hide its inclination for a greater Germany" by Arthur Inquart, a soldier and prominent figure in the National Socialist Party, encapsulates the historical context of Austria's annexation by Nazi Germany in 1938. This quote sheds light on the aggressive expansionist policies of the Nazi Party, particularly in relation to Austria, and reflects the ideology of pan-Germanism that sought the unification of all German-speaking peoples under one state.

During the interwar period, the National Socialist Party, led by Adolf Hitler, actively pursued the goal of expanding German territory and influence. This expansionist agenda, known as Lebensraum (living space), aimed to incorporate not only Austria but also other regions inhabited by ethnic Germans into the Greater German Reich. The quote by Arthur Inquart highlights the lack of secrecy or subtlety in the National Socialist Party's ambitions for territorial expansion, indicating a brazen and unapologetic approach to their geopolitical goals.

The historical backdrop against which this quote must be understood is the aftermath of World War I and the Treaty of Versailles. The treaty imposed significant territorial and military restrictions on Germany, leading to widespread resentment and a desire for territorial revision. Within this context, the idea of a greater Germany, encompassing not only the core German territories but also neighboring regions with significant German-speaking populations, gained traction among nationalist and far-right political movements, including the National Socialist Party.

In the case of Austria, known as the Anschluss, the annexation by Nazi Germany in 1938 was a culmination of this expansionist agenda. The National Socialist Party's overt inclination for a greater Germany manifested in its active support for the annexation of Austria, which was predominantly German-speaking and had historical ties to the Germanic cultural and political sphere. The quote by Arthur Inquart serves as a testament to the party's open advocacy for the incorporation of Austria into the Greater German Reich, reflecting the broader ideological underpinnings of pan-Germanism and the unification of all Germanic peoples under Nazi rule.

The Anschluss of Austria into Nazi Germany had profound and far-reaching consequences, both domestically and internationally. It solidified Nazi control over a strategically important region and further emboldened Hitler's expansionist ambitions. The annexation also had significant implications for the geopolitical balance of power in Europe, triggering alarm among the Western powers and contributing to the escalating tensions that eventually led to the outbreak of World War II.

In conclusion, the quote "The National Socialist Party in Austria never tried to hide its inclination for a greater Germany" by Arthur Inquart encapsulates the unapologetic and assertive nature of Nazi expansionist policies, particularly in relation to the annexation of Austria. This quote provides insight into the ideological motivations and geopolitical ambitions of the National Socialist Party, shedding light on the historical context of the Anschluss and its broader implications for the interwar period and the onset of World War II.