Character Profiles - Germany

Question 1

Franz Von papen

Answer 1

Former aristocratic army officer, member of the centre party although thoroughly anti-democratic. Wanted to restore powers of old elite and re-establish an authoritarian state. He was appointed chancellor in 1932 and headed a “cabinet of barons”. Brought down by schleicher in December 1932. Then conspired with Hitler and Hindenburg to remove schleicher. Returning to power in a coalition with hitler

Question 2

Oskar Von Hinderburg

Answer 2

Son of president Hindenburg. Followed his father into the army. He became the presidents aide-de-camp, which allowed him to control access to the president. Was a close friend of schleicher. He opposed the appointment of Hitler as chancellor but changed his mind in 1933 after discussions with Papen and Hitler.

Question 3

Dr Otto meissner

Answer 3

Was the head of office of Hindenburg and Ebert. Had considerable influence over Hindenburg and helped organise talks between Papen and Hitler that lead to Hitler appointment as chancellor in 1933. He served under the Nazi regime but with less power.

Question 4

Gregor stressed

Answer 4

Was a member of the Nazi part from 1921, was part of the beer hall putsch. From 1926 to 1928 he was in charge of the party’s propaganda. He advocated an anti-capitalist stance to appeal to working class voters, but was also strongly anti-communist and anti-Semitic. He as purged from the party in 1932 and murdered in the night of the long knives (1934)

Question 5

Herman goering

Answer 5

was a fighter pilot in the First World War. Joined the Nazi party 1922 and took part in the Munich putsch. Elected to Reichstag in 1928 and became the president of the Reichstag in 1932. In 1933 he was appointed chancellor and interior minister of Prussia. He also became reich aviation minister in 1933 and was repsonsible for rebuilding the luftwaffe. He established the gestapo and the first concentration camps. In 1936 he was placed in charge of the 4 year plan.