Part two, Topic two: The Failure of Weimar Democracy

Question 1

How did Hitler become Chancellor?

Answer 1

• July 1932: Nazi party were the largest single party in Reichstag with 230 seats, but not majority
• Hitler demanded post of chancellor from president, but Hindenburg was suspicious of Hitler and refused
• So, von Papen (old friend of hindenberg) continued to be chancellor
• Von papen had no support in the reichstag so called another election in November 1932
• Nazis came out as the largest party. Hitler regarded it as a disaster for the Nazis, they started to run out of funds (Hitler said to have threatened suicide)
• Hindemburg denies Hitler the position of chancellor and appoints Von Schleicher instead
• Von Schleicher forced to resign within a mont: Clear tthat the Weimar system was not working and Hindenburg needed a chancellor who had support in the Reichstag
• 30th Jan 1933: Hitler offered the post of Chancellor and von papen as vice chancellor