Establishment of the Nazi Dictatorship and its Domestic Policies (1933-1939)

Question 1

When did Hitler become Chancellor?

Answer 1

1933

Question 2

What skills did Hitler have that secured his Chancellorship?

Answer 2

1. Powerful public speaker
2. Promises he made appealed to the maximum amount of voters
3. Showed strength and was politically astute as he refused anything but the Chancellorship
4. Used propaganda (‘Freedom and Bread’)
5. Rallies and loudspeakers capitalise on his public speaking skills and show strength in a time of chaos

Question 3

What other factors allowed Hitler to come to power in 1933?

Answer 3

1. The Wall Street Crash and the Great Depression as it allowed Hitler to exploit the weaknesses of the government. He displayed strength and promised to solve the crises.
2. Backstairs Intrigue (von Papen and von Schleicher)
3. Fear of Communism

Question 4

What obstacles did Hitler face that he had to overcome in order to become dictator?

Answer 4

1. The army was still loyal to the state
2. The structure of the Weimar Constitution meant that extreme laws couldn’t be passed
3. The central parties used propaganda to undermine Hitler
4. The Nazi Party still didn’t have a majority in the Reichstag, and still had to gain overall support from the public
5. Hindenburg dislike Hitler and had the power to dismiss him
6. The SA had the power to overthrow Hitler and Rohm was popular
7. Trade unions still had the power to question the government
8. Political opponents, especially the Communists