Topic 5: The failure of the Weimar democracy

Question 1

Who was Franz von Papen?

Answer 1

• He was friends with President Hindenburg and in 1932 Papen was appointed chancellor.
• Papen wanted to dissolve the Reichstag altogether. This was opposed by general Schleicher one of Hindenburg’s advisors as he feared it would lead to a civil war.
• But Papen plotted behind his back with Hitler. They’d made a deal that Hitler would become chancellor and Papen would be vice chancellor.
• Papen was able to convince Hindenburg that he would be able to control Hitler.

Question 2

What were coalition governments?

Answer 2

• A coalition government is a form of government in which political parties cooperate to form a government.
• They argued among themselves rather than providing strong leadership needed to solve Germany’s problems.
• Each Chancellor relied on Hindenburg to use his emergency powers to pass laws.

Question 3

What opposition did the Nazis face?

Answer 3

• Opposition they faced was weak and divided. The Nazis 2 main rivals, the communists and the social democrats were bitter enemies and would not work together to take the Nazis down.
• Opposition parties underestimated the threat that came from the Nazis and they predicted support for them would disappear. They did not realise how angry people were with the Weimar republic and how they wanted change.

Question 4

How did Hitler become chancellor?

Answer 4

• Nazi election success (1930): Chancellor Bruning and President Hindenburg decide to hold a new election in September 1930. The success of the Nazi party surprised everyone.
• Bruning relies on Hindenburg’s emergency powers(1930-32): Despite their success Hindenburg refused Hitler’s demand for a position in the cabinet. Bruning had to rely on Hindenburg’s power to pass laws, to try and improve the economy by giving land belonging to bankrupt landowners and poor peasants. This angered Hindenburg and he was replaced with Franz von Papen.
• Another election - Nazis win again (July 1932): The Nazis campaigned strongly. They won 37% of the vote and were the largest party in the Reichstag. Hitler was expected to be chancellor but Papen was appointed instead, who didn’t have any support from political parties.
• Schleicher replaces Papen (November 1932): The Nazis share of the vote falls to 33%. Hitler was disappointed. Schleicher persuaded Hindenburg to drop his support for Papen and became chancellor but struggled to win support for idea.
• Secret deal between Hitler and Papen (End of 1932): Papen saw an opportunity to take revenge on Schleicher and united force with Hitler.
• Hitler becomes chancellor (January 1933): Papen persuaded Hindenburg that Hitler could be controlled. Papen’s plan had the support of Hindenburg and the German elites they believed Hitler would help protect Germany from communists.