Hitlers Legal Path To Power 1930-33 Flashcards
After the collapse of the Müller coalition what happened ?
There was and election but a coalition wouldn’t be formed, as a result article 48 came into action and presidential rule began for a few years
Why did Herman Müller’s government collapse ?
Because they wanted to cut government spending at a time of economic downturn, but the social democrats also part of the coalition wouldn’t allow it so broke away, the government now didn’t hold 50% of vote
What was the problem with article 48 at this time ?
The president was very old and relied on his, also extreme-right, advisers to help him greatly. This now meant that essentially the Conservative Elite were back in power
Who was the President of Germany at the time article 48 came into action in 1930?
Alfred Hindenburg
How old was Alfred Hindenburg ?
83
Who was the most influential member if Hindenburg’s advisers ?
Kurt Von Schleicher
There was still a chancellor and a group of ministers but they were now accountable to what ?
Hindenburg and his advisers
Who was the first chancellor appointed by Hindenburg ?
Heinrich Brüning
Who did Hindenburg take advice from to appoint a chancellor ?
Kurt Von Schleicher
Which party was Brüning part of ?
The centre party ( Zentrum )
What were 4 reasons why Schleicher recommended Brüning ?
- He had been an infantry officer in WW1 and that suggested loyalty
- He had a conservative outlook
- Qualified in economics & finance(good for tackling unemployment)
- Trusted him not to oppose “presidential decree” in Reichatag as it had the possibility to be overturned
What 2 main things did Brüning do as chancellor ?
- Heavily cut government spending (even pensions, not army & farms)
- Got rid of reparations through negotiation
Why was Brüning regarded as unsuccessful ?
- Unemployment still rising
- Economic growth wasn’t happening
- Unpopular among public
What 2 things lead to Brüning loosing his job ?
- Failure in economic growth
- Sour relations with Hindenburg over his 7 year term as president
Who was the chancellor after Brüning was sacked ?
Franz Von Papen
After appointing Von Papen what was Von Schleicher’s plan?
An Authoritarian government where the President was extremely powerful making Germany a dictatorship, he aslo wanted to show it had mass support by bringing in the Nazis support with its huge support from the electorate
What 5 things did Von Schleicher do to try and gain Hitlers support ?
- Appoint Von Papen
- Appoint other extreme-right ministers
- Lifted ban on SA
- Called elections knowing that NSDAP would do well
- Removed SPD state government in Prussia (Strong opponent to Nazis)
Why did Hitler fall out with Hindenburg ?
A meeting was held to discuss if Hitler would join the Government, they fell out about Hitlers role; Hitler wanted chancellor not a supporting role which was originally offered
Why did Hindenburg not like Hitler so much ?
- Originated from low social origins
- Hitler competed against him in the German presidential election in March 1932 presidential election where Hindenburg lost much of his right-wing support to Hitler
After Hitlers fall out with Hindenburg what did Hitler do ?
Made members of the NSDAP join other parties so a vote of “no-confidence” in Von Papens government would result in the December 1932 election (Hitler lost popularity)
What did Von Schleicher decide to do with Von Papen after the December 1932 election ?
Sack him and make himself chancellor
Why was Von Schleicher unsuccessful ?
Because he tried to get “left-wing” parts of the NSDAP to join forces with the SDP trade unionists to combat unemployment, both parties refused
What did Von Papen arrange with Hitler in secret in January 1933 ?
Over 5 meeting they agreed that Hitler would become chancellor if Von Papen was vice-chancellor
Why did Hindenburg agree to Von Papen’s proposal of Hitler becoming chancellor ?
- Believed Papen would be able to control Hitler
2. He wanted his old friend alongside him
Why was the “Decree for the protection of the people and the state” proposed Hitler ?
The Reichstag fire he believed showed that Germany was becoming more dangerous and by issuing this act they would have less power and the Nazis would be more in control
When was the Decree for the protection of the people and the state issued by Hindenburg ?
1933
What were the main features of the Decree for the protection of the people and the state ?
Suspended basic human right such as freedom of speech and freedom of assembly & Banning the KPD as they were suspected of creating the Reichstag fire.
What % did the Nazis individually win in the 1933 election ?
44%
Where did the boost of seats to the Nazis come from ?
Banned KPD and allies in the Nationalists
When was the Enabling act passed ?
March 1933
What % of the Reichstag needed to vote in favour of the enabling act in order for it to be passed ?
2/3
As Hitler and his Allies only had 60% of seats which party did he persuade to vote with him in favour ?
Centre party
Why did the centre party vote with Hitler in the 1933 enabling act ?
They believed that he would either sustain the Catholic Church or they believed he was a great politician
What did the Enabling act include ?
Government could pass laws without consent from Reichstag or agreement form President
What % of seats did the Nazis and their Allies have in the Reichstag after the 1933 election ?
60%
