Write an account of Hitler’s appointment as Chancellor (15)
A level 3 exemplar - worth 8 marks
Between 1929 and 1933, secret political deals helped Adolf Hitler become Chancellor of Germany. The Great Depression caused big problems, and many people started supporting Hitler’s party, the Nazis. But the President, Hindenburg, didn’t want Hitler to be leader because he was worried about Hitler’s extreme ideas.
Some important politicians thought they could control Hitler if they worked with him. One of them, Franz von Papen, wanted to get back into power. He told Hindenburg that if Hitler became Chancellor and Papen was his deputy, they could keep Hitler under control.
At first, another leader, Schleicher, was made Chancellor, but he couldn’t get enough support. Then, on January 30, 1933, Hindenburg agreed to make Hitler Chancellor with Papen as his deputy.
But Hitler was very clever and soon took full control, ending democracy and becoming a dictator. The secret deals that put Hitler in charge ended up being a big mistake.
Some important politicians thought they could control Hitler if they worked with him. One of them, Franz von Papen, wanted to get back into power. He told Hindenburg that if Hitler became Chancellor and Papen was his deputy, they could keep Hitler under control.
At first, another leader, Schleicher, was made Chancellor, but he couldn’t get enough support. Then, on January 30, 1933, Hindenburg agreed to make Hitler Chancellor with Papen as his deputy.
But Hitler was very clever and soon took full control, ending democracy and becoming a dictator. The secret deals that put Hitler in charge ended up being a big mistake.
A level 5 exemplar - worth 15 marks
Although the NSDAP had the largest party with 230 seats (37% of the votes) in the July 1932 elections, Hindenburg still refused to appoint Hitler Chancellor as he did not trust him. Hitler was only appointed after a series of deals, known as 'backstairs intrigue'. Hindenburg appointed Franz von Papen as Chancellor in July, but he could not form a working coalition so he resigned and was replaced by Kurt von Schleicher in December 1932. However, Schleicher also failed to secure enough support in the Reichstag and lost influence quickly.
Meanwhile, Papen was 'doing deals' behind the scenes, and he convinced Hindenburg that if Hitler were made Chancellor—with Papen as Vice-Chancellor and conservatives controlling key ministries—they could keep Hitler in check and use his support in the Reichstag for their own ends.
So, after much pressure and political maneuvering, on January 30, 1933, Hindenburg reluctantly appointed Hitler as Chancellor. Papen and several conservatives were included in the cabinet to balance Nazi influence. Papen said 'we have hired him'. However, he gravely underestimated Hitler’s political skill and ambition. Once in power, Hitler swiftly consolidated control by manipulating the Reichstag, using emergency powers, and eliminating opposition. Within months, he dismantled democratic institutions, establishing a dictatorship
Meanwhile, Papen was 'doing deals' behind the scenes, and he convinced Hindenburg that if Hitler were made Chancellor—with Papen as Vice-Chancellor and conservatives controlling key ministries—they could keep Hitler in check and use his support in the Reichstag for their own ends.
So, after much pressure and political maneuvering, on January 30, 1933, Hindenburg reluctantly appointed Hitler as Chancellor. Papen and several conservatives were included in the cabinet to balance Nazi influence. Papen said 'we have hired him'. However, he gravely underestimated Hitler’s political skill and ambition. Once in power, Hitler swiftly consolidated control by manipulating the Reichstag, using emergency powers, and eliminating opposition. Within months, he dismantled democratic institutions, establishing a dictatorship
