which best explains why many people in austria supported german annexation?\nmany austrians were of german…

Brief Explanations:

Austria and Germany share a common language (German) and historical ties. Many Austrians identified with German culture and ethnicity. This ethnic and cultural connection made the idea of union (annexation in this context) more palatable. The other options - respecting leadership (which was autocratic under Hitler), appeasement (a policy of Western powers more than the general Austrian population), or seeking protection (Austria was not under an immediate external threat that Germany would uniquely solve in a way that annexation was the answer) - are less rooted in the primary ethnic - cultural bond.

Answer:

Many Austrians were of German descent.