April's Written Primary Source for the History Classroom

Miriam Pratt, surveillance photograph in Holloway Prison (1913)

(1) Miriam Pratt, statement in court (18th October, 1913)

I ask you to look again at what has been done and see in it not wilful and malicious damage, but a protest against a callous Government, indifferent to reasoned argument and the best interests of the country. A protest carried to extreme because no other means would avail... show by your verdict today that to fight in the cause of human freedom and human betterment is to do no wrong.

Question: Miriam Pratt appeared at Cambridge Assizes in October charged with setting fire to an empty building attached to the Balfour Biological Laboratory for Women, in Storey's Way, Cambridge. The building was erected in 1884 on for the use of women studying science at Newnham and Girton. (1) Why did she set fire to the Balfour Laboratory? (2) Why did she make a statement admitting her guilt?

Alfred Pirkkert, Anschluss (c. 1928) — Alfred Pirkkert, *Anschluss* (c. 1928)

(2) The Manchester Guardian (14th March, 1938)

On the day on which she was to have voted on her freedom and independence, Austria was last night officially proclaimed a "State of the German Reich." The Anschluss has been brought into being. A month hence the Austrian people will be asked to say what they think of it.

The law - enacted by the Austrian government and "accepted" by the German - states:

On the basis of the Federal Constitution law regarding the extraordinary measures within the scope of the Constitution, the Federal Government has resolved;

1. Austria is a state of the German Reich.

2. On Sunday, April 10, a free and secret plebiscite of the German men and women of Austria over twenty years of age will take place regarding the reunion with the German Reich.

It is explained in Berlin that Austria now becomes a Federal State of the Reich, such as Bavaria, Saxony and Württemberberg. Austria, like Bavaria, will retain her own Government, and for the present the existing laws will remain in force.

Herr Hitler has incorporated the Austrian Army in the German Army and placed it under his command.

Last night it was announced that President Miklas had resigned at the request of Dr. Seyss-Inquart, the Nazi Chancellor, who took over the President's powers.

In all countries - except Italy and Japan, partners with Germany in the anti-Comintern Pact, the annexing of Austria is condemned.

Question: Why would the The Manchester Guardian say of the Anschluss: "In all countries - except Italy and Japan, partners with Germany in the anti-Comintern Pact, the annexing of Austria is condemned."