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.

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