From Bruning to Papen

Question 1

What was the significance of Papen appointing himself as Reich Commissioner of Prussia?

Answer 1

1) It was an unconstitutional act.
2) It replaced a parliamentary system with a presidential authoritarian government.
3) Democrats - especially the SPD and the trade unions gave in without any real opposition. This shows how far the forces of democracy had lost their initiative.

Question 2

Reichstag election - July 1932

Answer 2

Election campaign was brutal, 86 people died from political fights during July. Such bloodshed gave Schleicher and Papen the excuse to abolish the most powerful regional government in German, Prussia. On 20 July 1932, it was simply removed by Papen who declared a state emergency and appointed himself as Reich Commissioner of Prussia.

Question 3

Political performances in the July 1932 election?

Answer 3

Nazis, with 230 seats and 37.3 per cent of the vote became the largest party in the Germany.
DNVP vote fell further to 5.9%
DDP and DVP collapsed disastrously - only 11 seats between them.
SPD vote declined further to 21.6%

Question 4

How can the gains of the Nazis be explained?

Answer 4

1) 4 years hard campaigning.
2) organisations (Hitler Youth…)
3) Hitler appealed to marginalised groups - Middle class, farmers…
4) Hitler’s ability to speak and promote.
5) Violence and propaganda.
6) SA dealing with the Communists.