Weimar Germany Political Dynamics and Nazi Rise

Political Dynamics in Weimar Germany

  • Cabinet Composition: 1932

    • Von Papen appointed ministers who were similarly right-wing, leading to the moniker 'cabinet of barons'.
    • The previous ban on the SA (Sturmabteilung) imposed by Brüning was lifted, increasing Nazi visibility and activity.

  • Reichstag Elections and Political Manipulations

    • Von Papen called for new Reichstag elections, anticipating strong support for the Nazis.
    • Violations of the constitution included the removal of the Social Democrat-led Prussian government, which was a significant opponent of Nazism, and welcomed by Hitler.

Rise of the Nazis in Elections

  • July 1932 Elections

    • Nazis secured nearly 38% of the votes, emerging as the largest party in the Reichstag.
    • This victory marked the start of intense political maneuvering, ultimately leading to Hitler's appointment as Chancellor in January 1933.
    • Negotiations among political leaders (Hitler, Schleicher, von Papen, and Hindenburg) occurred, with a focus on Hitler's role in government.
    • Hitler demanded the Chancellorship and rejected any subordinate role.
    • Hindenburg's personal disdain for Hitler and his reluctance played a key role in the outcomes of these dialogues.

  • Aftermath of August Meeting

    • Following a significant meeting where Hindenburg denied Hitler's demands, Hitler retaliated by pushing Nazi Reichstag members to pass a vote of no-confidence against von Papen’s government, precipitating another election.

  • November 1932 Elections

    • The Nazis faced a downturn, losing two million votes compared to the July elections.
    • Discontent among the right-wing voters, dissatisfied with Hitler's leadership style, contributed to this loss.
    • Speculations arose in media regarding a decline in Nazi influence.

  • Leadership Changes

    • A shift in strategy occurred; Schleicher planned to dismantle von Papen’s government and took the Chancellorship in December 1932.
    • Schleicher’s attempts to woo the 'socialist' faction of the NSDAP and SPD failed as the ideological differences were substantial.

Final Coalition Formation

  • Attempts to Reestablish Control
    • By January 4, 1933, von Papen was in talks with Hitler regarding a coalition government.
    • Proposal: Hitler would assume the Chancellorship with the Nazis holding a minority of cabinet positions, playing into the conservative strategy to control Hitler.
    • Hindenburg ultimately consented to this arrangement, leading to Hitler's formal offer of Chancellorship on January 30, 1933.