Appointment of Hitler as Chancellor Flashcards
(44 cards)
30/01/1933, who asked H to join a coalition government and with which parties?
Hindenburg asked him to lead a new government of national concentration, a coalition government where the Nazi party would share power with the DNVP and others including Papen.
Even though H was the leader of the largest party in the Reichstag, what did Hindenburg and Papen believe?
His inexperience meant he could be easily manipulated by the more experienced politicians in his cabinet.
What was the process that brought H into power in 1933?
Negotiations and secret deals between many key German political figures, including Hindenburg, NOT a political uprising as propaganda portrays.
When was Bruning’s government in power to and from?
From March 1930 until May 1932
Who basically controlled Bruning’s power?
Hindenburg and Schleicher had to agree on any new laws passed and his place in office.
What was Bruning’s priority with economic policy?
Reduce state expenditure by cutting welfare benefits, reducing the number of civil servants and cutting wages- he got the name ‘Hunger Chancellor’.
How did Bruning’s approach to the economy turn out?
Deepened the depression and by Feb 1932 unemployment exceeded 6 million for the first time.
How did Bruning’s economic failures help the Nazis?
As unemployment increased, so did Nazi support.
Why did Schleicher withdraw his support to Bruning?
Although Bruning imposed a ban on the SA to reduce street violence, the political situation continued to deteriorate. Schleicher was scared banning the SA would start a nazi uprising, so concluded no government could rule without Nazi support.
What was hitler’s one condition if he joined a coalition?
Unless he was appointed chancellor. However H did agree to not oppose a new government on the condition of a new Reichstag election and the ban on SA lifted.
What was the final reason Bruning resigned?
Hindenburg, acting on Schleicher’s advice, refused to sign a presidential decree Bruning had submitted meaning he had to resign.
Who did Hindenburg replace Schleicher with?
Franz von Papen, with Schleicher as Defence minister in the new cabinet.
What was different about Papen’s government?
Created on a non-party political basis
What was the only party that supported Papen’s coalition?
DNVP
What lead to Papen’s authoritarian leanings?
Ruled by decree
What is the cabinet of barons?
Papen’s cabinet positions were filled by men who weren’t members of the reichstag, most came from landowning and industrial elite.
What did Papen believe was the biggest threat to Germany?
Communism and the Weimar democracy had allowed it to grow.
What was Papen’s view on the nazis and Hitler?
Looked down on the nazis but sympathised with many of Hitler’s ideas and saw the nazis as useful allies to establish a government of national concentration.
What ban did Papen lift in June 1932?
The ban on the SA and imposed curbs on the left-wing press.
What was the result of Papen lifting the ban on the SA?
New wave of street violence, especially during the reichstag election campaign of July 1932, which gave Papen an excuse to impose authoritarian rule in Prussia.
When was the Reichstag election Hitler demanded from Schleicher?
July 1932
What was the result of the July 1932 Reichstag election?
Most moderate parties, except the Center, suffered losses. DVP and DDP had serious loss. DNVP suffered heavy losses as the Nazis established themselves as the largest right party. Nazi attracted middle-class voters and unemployed. Nazis did not win any from SPD or KPD.
What was clear to the Nazis after the July 1932 Reichstag election?
They were reaching limits of their appeal in an open election.
What did Papen invite Hitler to after the 1932 July election?
To join his government, but H refused as he wanted to be chancellor.
