Hitler's admission to power in January 1933

What is surprising due to the Nazi vote falling in the November 1932 election?

With the Nazi votes falling in the November 1932 election, it is perhaps surprising that Hitler was appointed as chancellor in January 1933.

Who was appointed chancellor after the July 1932 election?

Although the Nazi’s were the largest party in the Reichstag after the July 1932 election, it was Franz von Papen who was appointed chancellor.

What did Franz von Papen want to do?

He wanted to create a more authoritarian state.

He ended the ban on the SA, which led to an increase in street violence.

What did violence in Hamburg lead to?

Violence in Hamburg led to von Papen taking over the Prussian state government, as it could no longer maintain order.

What did Papen taking over the Prussian state government mean?

This destroyed the idea of each state in Germany having power over certain aspects of government, such as the police (known as the federal principal), and led to increased power being given to the national government (known as centralisation of the state).

What had Hitler demanded the right to do?

Hitler had demanded the right to form a government as the largest party, but was offered the post of vice-chancellor, which he rejected.

What did von Papen not have?

von Papen did not have a majority, and with the support of the President was determined to dissolve the Reichstag and hold fresh elections.

However, this failed, as the opposition passed a vote of no confidence.

When were new elections held?

New elections were held in November 1932, but the Nazis lacked the funds for a dynamic campaign.

What happened due to a transport strike in Berlin?

Nazi involvement in a transport strike in Berlin appeared to show they were moving to the left and this frightened many middle-class voters in the Nov 1932 elections.

As a result, they lost 2 million votes.

What happened due to the army being unwilling to support von Papen?

With the army unwilling to support von Papen, the government was dismissed and Kurt von Schleicher was appointed Chancellor on 2 December 1932.

Who did Schleicher approach?

He approached some Nazis to join the government, but Hitler blocked it.

He also tried to get the support of the SPD and trade unions through promising economic reforms.

Who was worried due to Schleicher’s promise for economic reforms?

This worried industrialists, who now looked to a von Papen-Hitler coalition.

What was ‘backstairs intrigue’?

Term used by the historian Alan Bullock to describe how Hitler came to power.

What did von Papen do following his removal from power?

von Papen began talks with Hitler, using intermediaries.

What happened due to Schleicher being unable to gain a majority in the Reichstag?

Hitler’s position was strengthened.

Hindenburg lost confidence in von Schleicher and instructed Papen to talk with Hitler.

What did Hindenburg and his advisers believe?

Hindenburg and his advisers believed that the Nazis were in decline and therefore would be easier to control.

What did Hindenburg do to Schleicher?

Hindenburg withdrew support from von Schleicher, who resigned on 28 January 1933.

What did Hitler demand following Schleicher’s dismissal?

Hitler demanded the position of chancellor and the positions of minister of the interior and minister for Prussia for other Nazis.

How did Papen respond to Hitler’s demands?

Von Papen agreed, as nationalists would be in nine other positions in the Cabinet that could overshadow him.

On 28 January, Hindenburg agreed.

When was Hitler appointed Chancellor?

Hitler was appointed Chancellor on 30 January 1933.

What have some argued?

Some have argued that Hitler’s popularity depended on unemployment, and that once unemployment fell, so would support for the Nazi party.

What had happened by December 1932?

• Nazi party was nearly bankrupt.

• Economy was starting to recover.

• Unable to gain power, the Nazis’ promises could not be fulfilled.

However, why did Hitler’s appointment become more likely?

Hitler’s appointment became more likely as Hindenburg and von Papen had been unable to establish an authoritarian government.

What did Papen have to do to get into power?

von Papen had no choice but to form a coalition with Hitler.

Appeared that with the Nazis having only 3 seats in the Cabinet, their power would be limited and could soon be dispensed with.