Hitlers appointment as chancellor of Germany in 1933 was due more to the weakness of his opponents than Nazi strengths - How far do you agree? Flashcards
Why was Papen humiliated on September 12th
Reichstag produced a ‘vote of no confidence’
What were the results of Papen’s election?
512 to 42
What was Papen’s reaction the the vote?
Dissolves parliament and arranges a new election
What did the vote highlight?
Government won’t function without a proper leader.
Why was time on Papen’s side?
Nazi morale/funds low - vote reduced to 33.1% (Nov) - 196 seats
What would cause Hitler to join the government?
If he was chancellor
What did P declare when he became frustrated?
Martial law + presidential dictatorship
Who opposed P’s terms? Why?
Schleicher - believed support for the Nazis couldn’t be ignored
What did Hindenburg hear and what was his reaction?
Army’s lack of confidence - demanded resignation of Papen
When was Schleicher appointed?
2nd December 1933
What was S’s aims?
Achieve political stability through:
- Support from left and trade unions (suggested public works)
- Split Nazi’s and attract the socialist wing (Strasser)
What role did he ask Strasser to fulfil?
Vice chancellor
Why did Schleicher fail?
- Trade unions sceptical of motives
- public works alienated landowners/businessmen
Why couldn’t Strasser accept the role?
Hitler more influential - fears of uprising - prompted to resign
Papen/Schleicher Failure - EVALUATION
Both accentuated that the rise of Nazism was inevitable and couldn’t be ignored - Hitler strength
Who did the Weimar face hostility from?
Junkers - many worked against the interests of Weimar GER
What were the continuous economic problems in Weimar?
- Inherited costs of WW1
- post-war reconstruction
- welfare benefits
Why didn’t Weimar enjoy widespread support?
Associated with defeat in WW1 and humiliation by Treaty of Versailles
What weaknesses did the base have?
- Main GER liberal parties losing support (DDP/DVP)
- ZP/DVNP moving right politically
- Loyalty of SPD to democracy had to be balanced against failure to join coalitions
What were the 4 phases of Weimar breakdown?
- Difficulties at birth (1918-19)
- Relative stability (1924-29)
- Impact of world depression (1929-33)
- Bruning’s decision
What was Bruning’s decision?
Rule by emergency decree undermined by welfare system - reached end July 1932
Failure of the Weimar - EVALUATION
Destined to fail from the start - Hitler able to take advantage as political climate was declining.
What did Goebbels realise?
Needed to reach out to specific groups - pamphlets for different groups
How did G appeal to Nazi farmers/peasants?
Offered benefits to offset collapse of agriculture prices