The Nazi Party Into Power 1932-34

Weimar In Crisis Main source of crisis was the impact of Great Depression Unemployment Bank and business crash Extreme ideas became popular Final undermining of Weimar – no leadership

Rise in Nazi Popularity Identified scapegoats – Jews and Communists Promised to reverse Versailles Promised economic recovery SA became more violent and intimidating

Crisis in the Democratic System 1930 – No coalition can be formed – President von Hindenburg rules by decree June 1932 – v. Hind. appoints von Papen as Chancellor – unpopular and no military support Nov 1932 – von Papen’s election result not enough to get a majority – but Nazi support declines! Dec 1932 – v Hind. appoints von Schleicher – unable to organise a coalition govt. Dismissed 1933 – what viable alternatives are left?

Hitler’s Political Credibility Runs for President in April 1932 Wins 13 million votes against von Hindenburg’s 19 million votes Political credibility rises Now seen as a legitimate alternative

Hitler into Power The succession of failed Chancellors gives Von Hindenburg limited choices He plans with von Papen to make Hitler Chancellor … … but limit his power. von Papen will be Vice-Chancellor and the cabinet will be filled with von Papen’s supporters They felt they could control Hitler …

Hitler in Power Immediately calls election to try and secure Reichstag majority Reichstag Fire 1933 helps propaganda Fierce election campaign – propaganda, intimidation, use of SA Results do not give Nazi’s the necessary majority Need Nationalist Party support to gain power Now in a position to secure their position

Law for the Protection of People and State “Restrictions on personal liberty, on the right of free expression of opinion, including freedom of the press; on the rights of assembly and association; and violations of the privacy of postal, telegraphic and telephone communications …”

Enabling Law March 1933 Communists banned from the vote Passes 444 to 94 Complete freedom to pass laws without the Reichstag March 1933 – Dachau opens April 1933 – Gestapo formed (the Secret Police) July 1933 – One Party Law is passed – bans all other Political Parties and Trade Unions Nov 1933 – another election, only the Nazi Party can stand

1934 … June – Night of the Long Knives eliminates SA as a threat August – von Hindenburg dies – Hitler proclaims himself Fuhrer The army have a new oath – to swear allegiance to Hitler personally, not Germany By 1934 Hitler and the Nazi Party’s control of Germany in complete A combination of violence, propaganda and legitimacy