30th January 1933: Adolf Hitler appointed Chancellor of Germany

Chapter 1: Was Hitler a President or Chancellor?

Appointment of Hitler

• On 30 January 1933, Adolf Hitler appointed Chancellor of Germany.

• The appointment marked a turning point in German history.

• Hitler went on to establish a totalitarian regime.

Early Political Career

• Hitler's rise was not immediate or expected.

• In 1923, he was imprisoned for attempting to overthrow the Weimar Government.

• This event was known as the Beer Hall Putsch.

• In Landsberg Prison, he wrote "Mein Kampf."

• He solidified his ideological foundations.

• After release, he rebuilt the Nazi Party as a legitimate political entity.

• He capitalized on nationalism and public discontent.

The Impact of the Great Depression

• The Great Depression began in 1929 and impacted Germany greatly.

• Germany faced severe economic difficulties.

• Economic output dropped sharply.

• The Weimar government, led by Chancellor Brüning, responded with:

  • Cuts to government spending and benefits.

  • Deflationary measures.

• These actions worsened the economic situation.

• Public trust in the government diminished.

• Unemployment soared to about six million by 1932.

• This environment allowed extremist parties, like the Nazis, to gain support.

Presidential Election of 1932

• Hitler ran against President Hindenburg in the 1932 Presidential election.

• He lost but secured 13 million votes.

• Hindenburg received 19 million votes.

• The campaign gave significant publicity to the Nazis.

• Hitler's profile as a political figure rose.

Political Maneuvering for Power

• Political maneuvering continued post-election amid instability.

• Ex-Chancellor Franz von Papen saw the Nazis' potential.

• He argued they could secure a majority in the Reichstag.

• President Hindenburg underestimated Hitler.

• He agreed to appoint Hitler as Chancellor.

• Hindenburg believed they could control him by limiting Nazi Cabinet positions.

Formal Appointment

• Hitler was officially appointed Chancellor on 30 January 1933.

• This was the beginning of his power consolidation.

• It led to a dictatorship and initiated World War II and the Holocaust.