The Collapse of the Weimar Republic Flashcards
When was Hitler appointed Chancellor
30th January 1933
Hindenberg invited Hitler to lead a new government along with the DNVP.
although Hitler was the leader of the largest Party, Hindenburg appointed Hitler as he thought he was weak and could be easily manipulated
what was the Key chain of events that led to Hitler becoming chancellor?
April 1932 - Hindenberg re-elected as President.
- Bruning imposed ban on the Nazi SA
May 1932 - Bruning was forced to resign as Chancellor by Papen
June 1932 - Paper declares a state of emergency in Prussia.
June - reichstag election nazi become largest party
September 1932 - vote of no confidence
November 1932 - Reichstag election nazi lose seats but still majority party
December 1932 - Paper forced to resign as Chancellor
how and when did Brunings government fall?
may 1932
lacked majority support and relied to heavily on Hindemberg and schleicher’s backing
Schleicher favoured more authoritarianism leading to Hindemberg frequent use of Article 48
Brunings economic policy was to cut public expenditure giving him the moniker “Hunger Chancellor” over 6 million unemployed
rising unemployment stoked a rise in extremism from Nazi and communism, street violence was high and a fear of communist revolution was high
what was Papen’s government like
Papen under the orders of Hindenberg and Scheicher, formed a ‘government of national concentration’
only the DNVP supported Papen, and got 2 cabinet positions the rest of the cabinet was made out of the non-elected elite
governed by decree
despite distain for the Nazi, he saw the as a possible future allie
lifted ban on Nazi Sa and restricted the left wing press
What was the role of backstairs intrigue?
refers to covert manipulation and political manouverin, particularly prevalent within Hindemburg’s inner circle in 1932
influenced critical decisions regarding chancellor appointments and presidential decree
what was Hindembrergs inner circle
Group of close personal advisors who had significant influence over political decisions
Namely Kurt Von Schiecher
who advised Hidemberg on Brunings down fall, the appointment of Papen and Papen’s downfall
How did Schliecher become Chancellor
Following Papen’s fall, Schleicher was able to convince Hindenburg to appoint him as Chancellor.
However, he was unable to produce a stable government as due to poor relations with Papen and growing mistrust form Hindemberg
What factors led to Schleichers collapse as Chancellor?
Attempt to form a coalition with the Nazis, in order to survive, support for the Nazis was fading
instead schliecher shifted his approach and aimed to win support from trade unions and the Reichstag with social policies
including cancelling wage cuts, job creation schemes and proposing land redistribution
Why did Schiecher resign
he came to Hindemberg with the proposal of suspending the constitution and implementing a dictatorial rule
Hidemberg refused and Schleicher was forced to resign
the appointment of hitler as Chancellor
January 30th 1933
at his first ministerial meeting the nazi party only had 3 ministerial posts indicating limited influence
Papen as vice chancellor did not believe hitler could dominate the cabinet
the expansion of Nazi influence
state resources were utilised to expand the SA
S, crucial for eliminating opposition, membership increased from 500,000 to 3 million in a year
SA activity was legalised as police activity under the control of Key figures such as Goering
The Enabling act 1933
Nazi Suppression and Violence
the SA unleashed a reign of terror against communist opponents, breaking up meatings, assaulting politicians and attacking KPD
crimes committed by nazis were overlooked including murder was overlooked by the police
police banned news papers critical of the regime
centre party also faced attack
Reichstag fire and Election
Hitler persuaded Hindenburg to dissolver the Reichstag and hold election in March 1933
election campaign saw intensified Nazi terror against opponents
SPD and KPD driven underground
burning of the Reichstag on the 27 Feb heightened fears
Decree for the Protection of the people Anad the state granted Hitler emergency powers, suspending political and civil rights - facilitating arrests, censorship and control
nazi votes increased but 645 supported non nazi parties
