ABSTRACT
In 1926, the legally constituted political leadership of the South Tyroleans, the German Association, had been outlawed. While Nazi propaganda succeeded in chalking up ever-greater successes in South Tyrol, Fascist politics per se fell into a deepening crisis. The realization that National Socialism was attracting more and more supporters was just one more reason to revive old projects designed to further mass immigration of Italians from the other provinces to South Tyrol that had been only partially implemented. The events surrounding the Anschluβ of Austria in March 1938 raised the self-esteem of the South Tyroleans to an undreamt of extent: the Fuhrer would show those Dagos! On 11 March 1938, Hitler solemnly promised Mussolini, whatever the consequences of upcoming events would be, he had established a clear border with France, and would establish an equally clear one with Italy. The Vokischer Kampfring Sutirols (VKS) initially rejected resettlement.
