Von Papen and Hindenburg

How did the Nazis benefit from the July 1930 election?

Although they didn’t win a majority of votes and so a coalition had to be formed, the Nazis did win a huge number of seats (107 from 12), which meant that they could control much of what government agreed. Hitler also used his success at the 1930 election to prove that the Germans wanted them Nazis in control, which helped him become Chancellor

What conditions were required for a singular party to win?

They needed 2/3 of all the votes given

What did the Nazis do to ensure they maintained success at the next election?

Hitler spoke at mass rallies all over the country and the Nazis made posters and flags to put up all over Germany

Who was the Chancellor in 1930?

Bruning

Was Bruning successful?

No - he was hugely unpopular as he reduced unemployment pay (in order to decrease the debts that Germany was slipping into) and increased taxes

When did Bruning resign?

July 1932

Who replaced Bruning as Chancellor?

Von Papen

When was the presidential election held?

June 1931

What were the results of the Presidential election?

Hindenberg won, with 53% of the total votes, while Hitler came second at 37%

Why did Von Papen call for another vote (for the German government) in July 1932?

He hoped that the SPD (which he was leader of) would get a majority of the votes

What was the outcome of the July 1932 election?

The Nazis won, at 230 seats in the Reichstag

What did Hitler want after his success in the election?

To be chancellor

Why did Hindenberg deny Hitler’s request?

He thought that the Nazis were violent, aggressive and disruptive and he also didn’t like Hitler as a person

Why did Von Papen call for another election in November 1932?

He thought that the SPD would gain more votes, but this was not the case; the Nazis again won (despite being fewer than the election before, they still had a majority of the votes) and the SPD lost yet more seats - Von Papen was losing support nationally

After Von Papen resigned (because Hindenberg ordered him to), who was named the next Chancellor?

Schleicher, in December 1932

Was Schleicher successful during his time as Chancellor?

No - he had no support from the citizens or the Reichstag since he didn’t represent a majority of votes or seats. This meant that he was unable to pass any laws - since not many in Parliament agreed with his stance on politics, especially due to the increasing influence of the extremist groups, the Communists and the Nazis

How did Schleicher try to regain some power?

He invited a leading Nazi to be vice-chancellor, but this failed since Hitler forced the man to decline. Schleicher thought that having a Nazi close to him would give him more influence in government as many people agreed with the Nazi ideology

Why was Hitler announced as Chancellor?

Von Papen talked to Hindenberg and made Hitler agree that he would make Von Papen his vice-Chancellor. This is because Von Papen thought that he could control Hitler

When was Hitler made Chancellor?

January 1933