How Did Hitler Become Chancellor? | History for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

How Hitler Utilized the Political System to Attain Chancellorship in January 1933 - Timeline & Summary

• Some Germans were driven towards fascism due to the Wall Street Crash. Facing a second economic crisis within a decade led to a loss of faith in Weimar politicians. Many distrusted democracy, believing the Weimar Republic ineffective during crises. This disillusionment prompted a desire for the return of a totalitarian government, which they believed would take control and solve Germany’s problems.
• In 1930, the NSDAP gained significant electoral success, securing 18.3% of the vote, equivalent to 107 out of 577 seats in the Reichstag. This was the highest proportion of votes the Nazi Party had ever achieved. By 1932, the NSDAP had become the largest party in the Reichstag. Chancellor Brüning’s unpopular policies to address unemployment and recession were failing, causing many Germans to lose faith in moderate political parties. The Nazi Party exploited this discontent, ramping up their propaganda efforts. Hitler's national celebrity status and his persuasive oratory skills converted many sceptics to support the NSDAP.
• Hitler's strategy to use the electoral system to become chancellor succeeded in January 1933. President Hindenburg had few options but to appoint Hitler as chancellor. Hindenburg's right-wing beliefs prevented him from accepting a Communist government under the KPD, and he could no longer ignore Hitler’s influence over the German populace. Historians agree that Hindenburg seriously misjudged his ability to control Hitler by appointing von Papen as co-chancellor. Within a year of his appointment, Hitler consolidated the powers of chancellor and president, becoming the Führer of Germany.

The Effects of the Depression on Germany

The Wall Street Crash led to economic collapses in Europe, including Germany.

• The Dawes Plan connected Britain, France, and Germany to the USA's economy. The influx of American funds facilitated reparation payments and settled First World War debts.
• The USA initiated the recall of its loans to stabilize its economy, which in turn destabilized European economies.

The Effects of Unemployment

• Economic challenges led to a severe job crisis, notably triggered by the USA's economic downturn. This crisis had a ripple effect, impacting nations worldwide.
• The interdependence of economies became evident as countries ceased buying German products, consequently escalating unemployment rates.
• Unemployed individuals faced financial constraints, refraining from spending on goods and services. This lack of consumer activity further exacerbated the situation, leading to more job losses.
• By September 1931, Germany witnessed a staggering 4.3 million unemployed individuals, with 40% originating from factory backgrounds.
• A poignant statistic revealed that half of the youth population between 16 and 30 years old were without employment opportunities.
• The crisis deepened by January 1933, where the number of unemployed surged to 6.1 million people, painting a grim picture of the economic landscape.

The Impact of Goebbels

• Goebbels played a crucial role as a dedicated member of the Nazi Party.
• Goebbels spearheaded and orchestrated Hitler's political campaigns during the years 1930 and 1932.
• Financial backing from prominent businesses facilitated Hitler's extensive tour across Germany. During this tour, Hitler:
  • Demonstrated his persuasive speaking abilities through numerous impactful speeches to the public.
  • Utilized airplanes for efficient travel throughout the country.
  • Orchestrated grand marches and rallies to captivate the masses.
• Goebbels effectively utilized the financial resources to create propaganda materials such as posters, radio broadcasts, and pamphlets to promote the Nazi ideology.
• Criticism of the government's management of the Depression further bolstered their public support.

Hindenburg and Hitler in Presidential Elections

• After serving seven years as president, Hindenburg's term ended in 1932.
  • At the age of 84, Hindenburg's health was deteriorating.
  • Moderate politicians convinced Hindenburg to run for re-election to stabilize the Weimar Republic.
  • Hitler decided to participate in the presidential election.
• In the first round of elections in March 1932, Hindenburg received 49.6% of the votes, falling short of the required 50%.
  • Hitler garnered 30% of the votes, while Thälmann received 14%.
• Following a repeated election in April, Hindenburg won the presidency.
  • Hitler increased his vote share to 36% in the subsequent election.
  • Thälmann's popularity waned, indicating a decline in support for Communism.

Brüning as Chancellor, April 1932

• Ascending to power in 1930, Brüning undertook the Chancellorship.
  • He prominently helmed the Centre Party during his tenure.
  • Brüning introduced tax increments for the labor force.
  • He curtailed financial aid to the jobless populace.
  • Implementing stringent strategies from 1930 to 1932, he aimed to address the economic downturn and unemployment crisis in Germany.
• By April 1932, Brüning had forfeited the Reichstag's backing.

• On 30th May 1932, Brüning resigned as he lacked majority support in the Reichstag, and Hindenburg withdrew his support for Brüning's government.

Von Papen Becomes Chancellor, May 1932

• Upon Brüning's resignation, Hindenburg deliberated on the new chancellorship.
  • Von Papen, a close associate of Hindenburg, emerged as a prominent candidate.
  • Von Schleicher, a notable military figure and aspiring politician, aimed to forge a fresh coalition.
  • The proposed coalition sought to unite conservative landowners, business figures, and officers, led by ex-general von Papen.
• This new administration starkly contradicted the foundational principles of the Weimar Republic.
  • The Social Democratic Party (SPD) commanded the largest number of seats in the Reichstag.
  • Hitler consented to support the coalition on the condition that the SA (Sturmabteilung) was no longer outlawed.
    • This maneuver represented a blatant exploitation of Article 48 of the Weimar Constitution.
  • Lacking majority support in the Reichstag, the government relied on Hitler's backing to gain public acceptance.
  • Most policies were enacted through Hindenburg's extensive presidential authority.
• Despite widespread disapproval, Hindenburg officially appointed von Papen as chancellor on 30th May 1932.
  • The ruling elite, predominantly representing the upper echelons of society, formulated policies that primarily favored their own class.
  • Von Schleicher speculated that granting Hitler partial power could help restrain his influence.
  • The populace derisively labeled the administration as 'the Cabinet of Barons'.
  • This period marked the initial involvement of the Nazi Party in governmental affairs.

The July 1932 Elections

• The Reichstag elections in July 1932 led to chaos in the streets of Germany.
  • In June and July, violent clashes occurred between the SA and the KPD’s Red Front Fighters, resulting in 7,000 injuries and over 100 deaths.
• The election results revealed that the NSDAP was the largest party in the Reichstag, securing 38% of the vote, but this was not the 50% needed for a majority.
  • The NSDAP’s vote share had increased significantly from 18% in 1930.
• Hitler demanded that Hindenburg appoint him as chancellor, but Hindenburg ignored this request and kept von Papen as chancellor, calling for another election in November 1932.
  • Hindenburg disliked Hitler, seeing him as unsuitable for high office due to his lowly rank of corporal during the First World War.
  • Hindenburg gambled on the public turning against the NSDAP.
• In the November 1932 Reichstag election, the NSDAP remained the largest party but their vote share decreased to 33%.
  • Hitler lost some middle-class support by verbally attacking von Papen.
  • The KPD increased their representation, securing 17% of the votes, which alarmed moderate and right-wing politicians.
• Von Papen could no longer stay on as chancellor.
  • Von Schleicher abandoned the coalition, warning Hindenburg that keeping von Papen as chancellor could lead to civil unrest and that the army might struggle to maintain control.
• Hindenburg persuaded von Papen to resign.

Von Schleicher Becomes Chancellor, December 1932

• In a desperate attempt to prevent a Nazi government, Hindenburg appointed von Schleicher as chancellor on 2nd December 1932.
• Von Schleicher assured Hindenburg that the November 1932 election results indicated a decline in the NSDAP’s popularity.
• However, von Schleicher's government struggled to function as it lacked a majority in the Reichstag and was not elected by the people.
  • Hitler and the Nazi Party opposed von Schleicher at every turn.
• Von Schleicher urged Hindenburg to suspend the Weimar Constitution, which would enable him to establish a military dictatorship.
  • Hindenburg refused to suspend the constitution.
  • Von Papen learned of von Schleicher’s plans and contacted Hindenburg on 30th January 1933.
  • He warned Hindenburg that if a new government was not formed, von Schleicher might seize control through a military coup.

Hitler Becomes Chancellor, January 1933

• Von Papen suggested being co-chancellor to Hitler's chancellorship on January 30. Hindenburg and von Papen believed they could control Hitler and Germany's decisions. Von Papen's plan convinced Hindenburg to make Hitler chancellor.
  • Hindenburg and von Papen thought they could manipulate Hitler's decisions.
  • Von Papen's strategy successfully influenced Hindenburg to appoint Hitler as chancellor.