Summary 6 - Was there an alternative to Hitler - A more authoritarian government

Question 1

Would a new system involving the establishment of a more authoritarian government have been supported?

Answer 1

It’s quite likely that a new system that reduced the power of Reichstag and allowed the formation of governments that were less dependent on popular elections would have been supported.

Question 2

Give evidence that suggests the establishment of a new system and a more authoritarian government would have been supported?

Answer 2

• The use of Article 48 was already undermining democracy
• The leading elite were already exploring making revisions to the existing constitution

Question 3

How widespread would support in the Riechstag have been for the establishment of a new system and a more authoritarian government?

Answer 3

It would have likely had considerable support in the Reichstag as the majority of Germans were rejecting Weimar democracy.

Question 4

What majority was needed in the Reichstag in order to achieve constitutional change?

Answer 4

A majority of two thirds was needed in the Reichstag to achieve constitutional change.

Question 5

How likely was a majority of two thirds in favour of constitutional change?

Answer 5

It was highly unlikely after the 1932 elections.

Question 6

Give an alternate method that could have been used to force constitutional change and the establishment of a more authoritarian government?

Answer 6

A change could have been forced through a coup.

Question 7

Why was constitutional change not forced through a coup?

Answer 7

It could have provoked a civil war.

Question 8

How did Hindenburg intend to use the support of the Nazis in order to achieve constitutional change and the establishment of a more authoritarian government?

Answer 8

He hoped to use the support of the Nazis in the Reichstag in order to achieve constitutional change and establish a more authoritarian government, however he miscalculated Hitler’s intentions.