Schleicher and the backstairs intrigue Flashcards
(10 cards)
1
Q
Kurt von Schleicher
A
- A senior army officer and political advisor.
- Served as a key figure behind the scenes in the late Weimar period.
- Believed in authoritarian government, with army influence and limited democracy.
- Had close ties with President Hindenburg and his circle.
2
Q
Role in the fall of Brüning - 1932
A
- Schleicher helped push Chancellor Heinrich Brüning out in May 1932.
- Brüning lost army support due to land reform plans and attempts to ban the SA.
-Schleicher preferred a more authoritarian direction and maneuvered to replace him.
3
Q
Papen’s Appointment and Schleicher’s Influence
A
- Schleicher helped install Franz von Papen as Chancellor (June 1932), a conservative Catholic aristocrat with no real political base.
- Believed Papen could be controlled and would work with the army and elites.
- Schleicher aimed to split the Nazis by cooperating with them (known as the “cross-front” strategy), offering them positions in government.
4
Q
Breakdown and Schleicher’s Own Chancellorship
A
- Papen lost a vote of no confidence (November 1932), and Schleicher became Chancellor in December 1932.
- Schleicher tried to form a coalition by:
- Winning over left-wing Nazis (e.g., Gregor Strasser) – failed.
- Appealing to trade unions and socialists – also failed.
- Schleicher had no support in the Reichstag and little popular legitimacy.
5
Q
he Backstairs Intrigue – Hitler’s Appointment (January 1933)
A
- While Schleicher failed to form a stable government, Papen began plotting with Hitler.
- Papen and other conservatives thought they could “control” Hitler by making him Chancellor and themselves key cabinet members.
- Papen convinced Hindenburg to dismiss Schleicher and appoint Hitler instead.
- 30 January 1933: Hitler was appointed Chancellor. Papen was Vice-Chancellor. Only 3 Nazis in the cabinet.
6
Q
Aftermath and Schleicher’s Death
A
- Schleicher was murdered during the Night of the Long Knives (30 June 1934), as Hitler eliminated rivals and threats to his power.
-His death symbolised the end of the old conservative elite’s influence.
7
Q
Article 48
A
Clause in the Weimar Constitution allowing the president to rule by decree in an emergency.
8
Q
Backstairs Intrigue
A
Secret political plotting behind the scenes to influence Hindenburg’s appointments.
9
Q
Cross-front Strategy
A
Schleicher’s attempt to split the Nazi Party by cooperating with left-wing members.
10
Q
Cabinet of Barons
A
Nickname for Papen’s cabinet – aristocratic, non-representative government.
