The Appointment of Hitler as Chancellor Flashcards
When was Muller Chancellor?
1928-1930
When was Bruning chancellor?
1930-1932
When was Von Papen Chancellor?
1932
When was Von Schleicher chancellor?
1932
Who were key figures surrounding Hindenburg?
= Oskar von Hindenburg
=Meissner (secretary)
Briefly describe Brunings chancellor?
1930-1932
=Bruning appointed in 1930
deep cuts in gov sending and increase in taxes
=hunger chancellor
=depression deepened with unemployment over 5 million
Middle class fear of communism grew could only rule with Hindenburgs support
support for Nazi’s and kpd grew
Banned SA in April 1932
=Unrest worsened and Schleicher withdrew his support
Schleicher feared Nazi uprising
recognised that next government needed Nazi support
However Hitler refused to join any coalition unless made chancellor
=schleicher refused
Hitler offered potential of support for lifting of ban on SA and a new election
Hindenburg refused to issue further decrees
=Bruning resigned May 1932, replaced by Von Papen
Briefly describe Von Papens chancellorship?
Von Papen recommended by Schleicher
Hard right views but inexperienced
increased presidential control to near dictatorship
aimed to solve deepening crises with Nazi support
BAN on SA lifted June 1932
SPD government of Prussia removed in July
Von Papen famously formed “cabinet of barons”
-Only 2 cabinet ministers elected politically
-only DNVP supported him
called election for July 1932 fulfilling promise made to Hitler for Nazi support
Analysis the July 1932 election result
-moderate parties lost votes
-DVP and DDP had serious loss of support
-Nazi vote grew from 18% to 37%
-took votes from the middle class
-nazi aware they were at peak support but no majority
What was the aftermath of the July 1932 election?
=Six months of intrigue
Hitler refused anything other than chancellor
Hindenburg refused
Hitler broke agreement with Schleicher and sided with other parties including the KPD to pass a vote of no-confidence in Von Papen
Hitler withdrew from the Reichstag, forcing new election
What was the November 1932 election result?
loss of support for the Nazis dropped by 4% now at 33%
= middle class alienated by Hitler’s hostility to von Papen and refusal to work in coalition with other parties
-DVP and DNVP picked up deserting Nazi voters
-Nazi finds exhausted
-KPD vote ever slightly increasing
-Papens government fatally weakened
considering banning the KPD and NSDAP and establishing a military government however had lost support of the military and the elite
Briefly describe Von Schleicher’s go at being chancellor
Dec 1932 - Jan 1933
Persuaded Hindenburg to let him replace Von Papen
Hoped to persuade Nazis into coalition due to Nazi vote declining
-Aimed to split the Nazis and win support
Gregor Stresser offered vice chancellor BUT Hitler reasserted control over the party and Schleicher’s plan failed
NEW plan:
though that a progressive social policy might bring support from SPD, cancelled Papens cuts in wages and benefits
Considered large scale job creation schemes
discuss land redistribution
asked Hindenburg to rule by decree= no
Meanwhile Papen in secret negotiation with Hitler
Hitler willing to join coalition but only as chancellor, DNVP leader agreed to support Nazi coalition
Hindenburg persuaded by Papen Hitler was controllable
When does Hitler become chancellor?
30th Jan 1933
Von papen as vice chancellor
Only tow other Nazis in Cabinet
What did Von Papen famously say about the appointment of Hitler as chancellor?
“We’ve hired him and pushed him into a corner”
