Political Developments: 1932 to Jan 1933

Presidential Election (March/April 1932)

Hindenburg beat Hitler, but Hitler got 13 million votes.

Brüning's resignation

May 1932; he lost Hindenburg's support.

Who replaced Brüning

Franz von Papen.

Von Papen's "Cabinet of Barons"

An undemocratic government made of wealthy aristocrats.

The "Coalition" of 1932

Von Papen needed Nazi support to pass laws; Hitler agreed if the SA ban was lifted.

November 1932 Election

Nazi seats dropped to 196, but they remained the largest party.

Why did Von Papen resign

He couldn't get a majority and lost the support of the army.

Who replaced Von Papen

Kurt von Schleicher (December 1932).

Schleicher's failure

He tried to split the Nazi party and failed; he had no support in the Reichstag.

The Papen-Hitler Deal

Papen proposed Hitler be Chancellor with Papen as Vice-Chancellor to "tame" him.

Hindenburg's initial view of Hitler

He looked down on him, calling him a "Bohemian Corporal."

Why did Hindenburg finally agree

He was convinced by Von Papen that they could control Hitler.

Date Hitler became Chancellor

30th January 1933.

How many Nazis in the first Cabinet

Only 3 out of 12 (to ensure they were "tamed").

Definition of "Intrigue"

The back-door deals between Hindenburg, Papen, and Schleicher that led to Hitler's power.