1. The Nazi Party Into Power 1932-34

2. 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

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

4. 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?

5. 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

6. 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 …

7. 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

8. 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 …”

9. 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

10. 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