Summary 6 - Von Papen's governments: June 1932 - December 1932 Flashcards
Von Papen’s government was filled with a ‘cabinet of barons’ - what does this mean?
The members of his cabinet were not members of the Reichstag, they were mostly landowners and members of the industrial elite.
What policy did Von Papen implement towards the Nazi SA?
He lifted the ban on the SA.
How did Von Papen utilise the increase in street violence, which was caused by his decision to lift the ban on the SA, for his own political gain?
He took over the Prussian state government, claiming that they could not keep law and order.
Why was Von Papens takeover of the Prussian state government highly significant?
The takeover challenged the idea of Weimar as a federal state (where state governments had power over local affairs).
How did Von Papen takeover the Prussian state government?
He used Article 48
Article 48 was designed to protect democracy, however Von Papen used it to implement authoritarian rule from the national government.
Since 1919, Prussia had been governed by a coalition of which parties?
The SPD and the Z party
Why was Von Papens takeover of the Prussian state government a significant blow to the left?
The takeover meant that the SPD lost their last stronghold, they had been in power there since 1919.
Why was ‘Von Papens coup’ a mortal blow to Weimar democracy?
It destroyed the federal principle of Weimar democracy and paved the way for the centralisation of the state.
