Rise of the Nazis and the establishment of an authoritarian state

1933 January

• Adolf Hitler appointed chancellor

• NSDAP does not dominate the Reichstag 1933 February

• Reichstag Fire 1933 March

• Reichstag election

• Enabling Act 1933 April

• Opponents removed from the civil service

• Reorganisation of local governments 1933 May

• Trade unions abolished 1933 June

• Concordat agreement 1933 July

• Political parties banned 1934 April

• Creation of the People's Court 1934 June

• Night of the Long Knives 1934 August

• Death of Hindenburg

• Hitler declares himself Führer

The Nazi Party became popular in Germany after the 25-Point Programme. This appealed to all walks of life including businessmen, nationalists, middle class and people in the countryside. Unlike the Communists, who appealed to the working class, the Nazi Party showed openness to all classes.

25-Point Programme

Unification of all German-speaking nations and the abolition of the Treaty of Versailles.

A single leader, or Führer, instead of a democracy.

The belief that the Aryan race was superior to all others, Social Darwinism.

Public industries, like electricity and water, should be owned by the state.

Autarky, or the idea that Germany should be economically self-sufficient.

The belief of danger from the Communists and Jews.

Lebensraum, or the expansion of living space for Germans.

Stronger central government and ownership of newspapers.

IMPACT OF THE GREAT DEPRESSION

Supported by US loans and investment, Stresemann was able to revive the German economy after WWI. However, with the Wall Street Crash in 1929, Germany was badly hit by the Great Depression. In the winter of 1929-1930, the most obvious manifestation of economic depression was the rise in German unemployment from 1.4 million to 2 million. By 1933, the number had tripled, hitting 6.1 million. Aside from the economic downfall, the Depression also fuelled political extremism in Germany. German workers felt anger and bitterness, which persuaded them to support and join the Nazis and other extremist groups. Some workers turned to communism. Those who were desperate committed suicide.

In 1928, only 12 seats in the Reichstag were Nazi, but by 1932, they had become the largest party, with 230 seats.

Due to their antisemitic and anti communist rhetoric, the Nazis gained more popularity among the German people. They particularly blamed the Jews for the economic depression. Compared to the Communists, the Nazis had a greater audience and support. They were supported by wealthy businessmen, the middle class, nationalists and industrialists.

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HITLER'S CHANCELLORSHIP

In 1932, President Hindenburg discharged Chancellor Brüning for his inability to stabilise the chaotic German government. Franz von Papen replaced him for 6 months followed by Schleicher who lasted for 2 months.

With Nazi dominance in the Reichstag, Hindenburg and Papen came up with a plan in 1933. They offered Hitler vice chancellorship but were rejected. Instead, Hitler demanded to be chancellor and Hindenburg agreed thinking that he could control Hitler and the Reichstag.

By January 1933, Hitler was appointed as chancellor of Germany. Many believed that he rose to power due to the following reasons:

• he was a persuasive speaker;
• due to the Great Depression, Germans lost confidence in the democratic system;
• the SS intimidated Nazi enemies;
• Hitler gained financial support from industrialists.

Franz von Papen became the chancellor of Germany through the support of General von Schleicher. As a member of the German aristocracy, Papen had a small political following. In July 1932, when the Nazis won more seats in the Reichstag (230 seats or 37.3% of votes), Papen attempted to seek their support. However, Hitler refused.

He was replaced by Kurt von Schleicher as chancellor of Germany between December 1932 and January 1933. He attempted to control the Nazis by offering Hitler chancellorship, but Schleicher would take over defence. Similar to his response to Papen, Hitler refused. Out of frustration with Schleicher, President Hindenburg asked his chancellor to resign.

Papen in 1933

Schleicher in 1932

On 30 January 1933, a new government was formed with Hindenburg as president, Hitler as chancellor and Papen as vice-chancellor. One of Hitler's moves as chancellor was the rapid expansion of the state police or Gestapo.