2. The Backstairs Intrigue Flashcards
How was Hitler seen in politics in 1932?
Inexperienced
East to manipulate
Thuggish
What party won enough votes in 1932 to become the largest party in the Reichstag?
Nazi Party
Who’s government was in power between March 1932 and May 1932?
Brüning’s government
How was Brüning’s government in charge between March 1932 and May 1932 despite not having a majority?
Chosen by Hindenburg
What was Brüning’s economic policy during his government from March 1932 to May 1932?
Reduce government expenditure
How did Brüning go about reducing government expenditure during his government from March 1932 to May 1932?
Cut welfare benefits, reduced civil service and cut wages
Who withdraw their support for Brüning during Brüning’s government?
Schliecher
Why did Schleicher withdraw his support for Brüning during his government from March 1932 to May 1932?
Because his measures deepened the depression, drawing more support for KPD and Nazi Party
What did Brüning impose a ban on during his government from March 1932 to May 1932?
The SA
Why was Schleicher concerned with Brüning’s ban of the SA during his government from March 1932 to May 1932?
Because he was concerned that it would bring about a Nazi uprising
Hitler refused to join a coalition government unless what?
Unless he was appointed Chancellor
On what clause did Hitler agree not to oppose a new government during Brüning’s government from March 1932 to May 1932?
If SA ban was uplifted and another Reichstag election was conducted
Who did Hindenburg appoint as Brüning’s successor?
Von Papen
Who was in government between May 1932 and June 1932?
Von Papen
Why was Papen’s cabinet nicknamed ‘cabinet of barons’ between May 1932 and June 1932?
Because it was filled with non-members of the Reichstag
How did Von Papen’s nicknamed ‘cabinet of barons’ between May 1932 and June 1932 increase Hitler’s popularity?
Made Hitler come across as a ‘normal man’ and ‘one of the people’ instead of an elitist
What did Von Papen believe to be the greatest threat to Germany during his government between May 1932 and June 1932?
A Communist uprising
What did Von Papen see the Nazis as during his government between May 1932 and June 1932?
Useful allies
What did Von Papen do in June 1932?
Lifted the SA ban which resulted in new wave of street violence
Who received majority in July 1932 election? What percentage?
Nazis at 37.3%
How did the Nazis succeed at gaining lots of voters leading up to the July 1932 election?
They had attracted large numbers of m/c voters and unemployed people
What did the Nazis receiving a majority in the July 1932 election do for Hitler’s position in dealings with Papen and Schleicher?
Made his position stronger
What did Papen invite Hitler to do following the July 1932 election?
Invited Hitler to join his government but Hitler refused
What vote was conducted following the July 1932 election?
A vote of no confidence in Papen’s government
What did the vote of confidence in Papen’s government force Papen to do?
Ask Hindenburg to dissolve Reichstag and call new election in November
Who received majority in November 1932 election? What percentage?
Nazis with 33.1%
What explains why Nazis lost supported in November 1932 election?
Many people went back to their original parties of choice as they were no longer filled with rage to turn to extreme parties
How many voters did the Nazis lose in the November 1932 election?
2 million
What party made significant gains during the November 1932 election?
Communist Party
What did Papen consider doing following the November 1932 election?
Considered banning Nazis and Communists and using army to enforce authoritarian government style
Why was Papen forced to resign following the November 1932 election?
Because of a lack of army support of his considerations to ban the Nazis and Communists
Who’s government was in power between December 1932 and July 1933?
Schleicher’s government
Why was Schliecher reluctant to be chancellor?
Because he preferred influencing from behind the scenes
What did Schliecher believe his best chance of success was in during his government between December 1932 and July 1933?
Was in persuading Nazis to join a coalition led by him
What did Schleicher try to do to undermine and sideline Hitler during his government between December 1932 and July 1933?
Tried to negotiate with other Nazis
What did Schliecher do as a result of his failure to win Nazi support for his government between December 1932 and July 1933?
He tried to adopt left wing policies
What did Schleicher ask Hindenburg to do following his failure to win Nazi support during his government between December 1932 and July 1933?
Asked Hindenburg to suspend the coalition, dissolve the Reichstag and give him dictatorial power
What did Hindenburg do in response to Schliecher’s request of receiving dictatorial powers during Schleicher’s government between December 1932 and July 1933?
Hindenburg refused to Schleicher resigned
What did talks between Hitler, Papen and Hindenburg’s inner circle result in following Schleicher’s resignation?
Led to conclusion that Hitler would form a coalition government with himself as Chancellor
What did Hindenburg and Papen believe about Hitler?
Believed he would be east to control
Members of Hindenburg’s inner circle
Schleicher
Oskar von Hindenburg
Dr Otto Meissner
How did Schliecher lead to rise of Nazis to power?
Persuaded Hindenburg to withdraw support from Brüning
Involved in Papen’s downfall
What did Dr Otto Meissner try to do?
Tried to prevent Hitler from becoming Chancellor
