Why did Hitler become Chancellor in 1932? By Mr RJ Huggins 2004

Aims & Objectives Why did the Nazis win more votes after the Wall Street Crash? Why did the army and businessmen support the Nazi Party? Why did Hindenburg change his mind and make Hitler Chancellor?

Government Reaction to the Depression Faced with massive unemployment the Weimar Republic had three options.  Print more money and risk hyperinflation.  Raise taxes to pay for unemployment benefit.  Save money and cut unemployment benefit. The government couldn’t agree what to do and the SDP resigned from the government. The Chancellor Bruning resigned as different political parties fought for control of the Reichstag.

How did the German People view the arguments amongst their politicians? Politicians argue who should run Germany No Action is taken to help the unemployed! Communist & Nazis promise to take action Votes for the Nazis & Communist increase. Von Papen becomes Chancellor in 1932 Papen is replaced by Schleicher later that year No Action is taken to help the unemployed Votes for the Nazis & Communist increase. Many Germans lose their faith in Democracy

Hitler’s Appeal: Nazi Propaganda Nazi Propaganda portrayed Hitler as Germany’s saviour. If elected he would bring order to Germany and create jobs. Nazi propaganda promised Germans that if Hitler was elected he would give them ‘Jobs & Bread’

Hitler’s Appeal: Nazi Rallies The Nazis held mass rallies which were staged managed so that thousands could hear Hitler’s speeches. Military music and flags were used to to give the impression that the Nazis represented order. Hitler promised over and over again that he would give Germany strong leadership.

Hitler’s Appeal: Nazi Rallies What does Hitler promise to do if was elected?

Why did people vote for the Nazis? Many people voted for the Nazis because they agreed with the Nazi ideas. Others voted for the Nazi Party because they were desperate to vote for a party that would take action to put Germany back to work. YearUnemployed

Why did people vote for the Nazis? This 1933 election Poster says ‘Hitler our last hope.’ YearNumber of Votes July Nov What is the link between unemployment & votes for the Nazi Party?

Why did many businessmen support Hitler? Many businessmen were afraid of what would happen to their property if the Communists took over. These businessmen also hated the power of the trade unions which forced up the wages they paid their workers. Hitler promised to smash the Communists and the trade unions.

Presidential Elections, How did the Presidential election affect Hitler’s popularity with the German people?

Control of the Reichstag In July 1938, the Nazis won 38% of the seats in the Reichstag. Hitler demanded the job of chancellor. Hindenburg said no! ‘He could not risk transferring the power of government to a new party such as the National Socialist … which was intolerant, noisy & undisciplined.’

Hitler becomes Chancellor Why did Hindenburg make Hitler Chancellor?

So why did Hitler become Chancellor in January 1933?