Summary 4 - The election of Hindenburg as President in 1925 Flashcards
When did President Ebert die?
28th February 1925
Under the terms of the constitution, what percentage of the vote did a candidate have to receive in the first round of voting in order to avoid a second ballot?
Over 50%
How many candidates stood for the first round of voting?
Seven
Who did Hindenburg consult before reluctantly agreeing to stand?
The former Kaiser
How many candidates stood in the second round of voting?
Three
Who won the most votes in the first round of voting?
Karl Jarres (DVP and DNVP)
Who were the three candidates that stood for the second round of voting and which party did they represent?
Paul von Hindenburg
Marx (centre)
Thalmann (Communist Party)
Why did Jarres withdraw from the second round of voting?
He withdrew in favour of Hindenburg
What was the impact of Thalmann standing in the second round of voting?
The left wing vote was split, meaning Hindenburg was able to secure enough votes to win the election.
What percentage of the vote did Hindenburg receive in the second round of voting?
48.3%
What percentage of the vote did Marx receive in the second round of voting?
45.3%
Why is the election of Hindenburg a turning point in Weimar politics?
Hindenburg, who was against democracy, had the power to overrule elected politicians and bypass the Reichstag. This marked the very beginning of a return to autocratic rule as democracy could now be ignored and avoided within the guidelines of the Constitution.
