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Reasons why Hitler was able to become Chancellor in 1933 - Coggle Diagram
Reasons why Hitler was able to become Chancellor in 1933
Due to the economy collapsing in 1930 the Nazis in the September elections gained 107 seats in the Reichstag
By July 1932 the Nazis were the largest party in the Reichstag with 230 out of 608 seats.
Economic/The Great Depression
In October 1929 the Wall Street Crash led to US loans being recalled and as a result many German businesses sacked workers and were forced to close
Due to the lack of support towards Wiemar a growth of support for extreme left and right wing parties such as the Nazis and communists.
The Weimar Republic failed to deal with unemployment and lost support
Discontent with Weimar
There was a general lack of support towards the republic - Weimar was blamed for accepting the hated terms of the treaty and the defeat in the war ('November Criminals')
The inability of the communist and the socialists to work together ensured that the Nazis were never seriously opposed in the Reichstag even as their representation increased
The Nazis were helped by the fact that the Weimar Republic seemed to be incapable of keeping Germany free of economic and political crises, and they were blamed for the treaty and the Depression.
Frequent changes of chancellor from 1930 - 32 made democratic parties and democracy seem weak.
Appeal of the Nazis/Nazi policies
The Nazis skilful use of propaganda meant their message was clear and struck chord with many people
Nazi propaganda was very effective. It blamed communists and Jews for Germany's problems and presented Hitler as the strong leader Germany needed
Nazi propaganda gave the German people a scapegoat for all their problems (the Jews and communists)
The Support of Big Businessmen
Hitler attracted important businessmen to support the party. Alfred Hugenburg's support for the Nazis was very important as he owned newspapers and cinema chains - which gave the Nazis access to the mass media and allowed them to become better known across Germany.
Hitler also received money from leading industrial Bosch - They hoped that Hitler would destroy the communists and limit the power of the trade unions.
The support helped the Nazis to fund expensive election campaigns and propaganda
Political Intrigue/Plotting
President Hindenburg did not want to offer Hitler the job of Chancellor, but was convinced by Von Papen that Hitler could be manipulated.
Von Papen wanted to make sure his political rival Von Schleicher could not gain power. In January 1933 Von Papen persuaded Hindenburg to make Hitler the Chancellor and himself as Vice Chancellor. He thought this would be a good idea to keep an eye on Hitler and control him, and Hindenburg thought this would restore the stability to Germany. Therefore Hitler was gifted power through their mistakes- He was never actually elected and never won a majority of votes in elections
Weakness of the opposition
The Nazis were helped by the fact that the Republic seemed completely incapable of keeping Germany free of economic and political crises - blamed for Versailles and depression
Division on the left - the inability of communists and socialists to work together ensured that the Nazis were never seriously opposed
The Role of Hitler
Hitler was a popular and charismatic speaker. He attracted a lot of support from the middle class, women and young people (especially first time voters). He would tell any lie to gain votes.
Throughout the Nazi election campaigns there was a sole focus on Hitler - The strong leader whom they claimed Germany wanted and needed.