Collapse of democracy, 1930-33.

Question 1

Public feeling about Weimar

Answer 1

Government associated with ToV

1925: elected Paul von Hindenburg as president (first to voice stab in back theory); his popularity was due to his pre-republic position, he had a lukewarm commitment to government and favoured government by decree and sidelining Reichstag

Question 2

economic problems and consequences

Answer 2

1929: Wall Street Crash in + economic depression

Government failed to agree on a policy to help economy

Extremist support rose, particularly communists and Nazis

Question 3

coalition failure and consequences

Answer 3

Changing chancellors made government more haphazard

Harder for parties to work together; SPD refused to partake in any more coalitions

Hindenburg fell back on article 48 (July 1930-32) and laws created by chancellor

Question 4

The rise of the Nazis in September 1930

Answer 4

Elections: KPD and Nazis made gains (neither was in government, but both were significant in the Reichstag)

SA attacks on political opponents played a part in this

Question 5

April 1932 Election outcome

Answer 5

Hindenburg is 84, but ran to stop Hitler and won by 19.4m:13.4m votes. His chancellor von Paper did not get Reichstag support so he had to rule by degree

Question 6

April 1932 Election background

Answer 6

nearly didn’t happen, Brüning suggested two year extension of Hindenburg’s presidency, Hitler and Hindenburg refused to accept this. Hindenburg: 18m votes. Hitler: 11m votes. No clear winner so there was a second vote

Hindenburg won second vote

Question 7

Controlling Hitler

Answer 7

Nazis had most seats in Reichstag, but Hindenburg made von Schleicher chancellor who suggested Hindenburg to rule by decree. Hindenburg disagreed.

Von Papen= vice chancellor, Hitler = chancellor so Hindenburg and von Papen can control Hitler.

Question 8

When Was Hitler appointed Chancellor

Answer 8

30 January 1933

appointed grudgingly by Hindenburg