There were several reasons why Hitler became Chancellor in 1933
1 -- THE EFFECTS OF THE DEPRESSION
Disastrous for Germany - 6 million unemployed (40%) -- THE Weimar Republic seemed to have no solutions whereas Hitler promised jobs
Second major
economic catastrophe for the Weimar Republic -- people remembered the
hyper-inflation in the past and now saw their incomes and jobs destroyed -- they
felt that the politicians running the Weimar government were economically
incompetent and had no solutions to save the country -- people abandoned the
government and turned to extremist parties who were offering solutions
Soon became a
political crisis as 3 Chancellors in 2 years could not solve the problems of
Germany -- again people felt that the Weimar government was weak and wanted an
end to the political instability -- they wanted a strong leader
Hitler 'the last
hope' -- Hitler played on the fears and the problems to make the government
unpopular and presented himself as the only man who could save Germany
As the economy got worse, so support for the Nazis grew and they became the largest party, which encouraged Von Papen to make a deal
2 -- UNPOPULARITY OF THE WEIMAR REPUBLIC
As the economy worsened and people turned against the Weimar government, they remembered all the old anger against the government : stab in the back in 1918, surrender, accepting the Treaty of Versailles, political and economic chaos. People felt that democracy had failed.
3 -- THE USE OF PROPAGANDA
The Nazis had a powerful propagandist in Goebbels who knew how to use propaganda
They gained access to radios and newspapers
They gained powerful financial backing, which allowed them to pay for their propaganda
They exploited fears and gave hope
Used rallies etc to make themselves look strong against a weak government
4 -- ANTI-SEMITISM
Played on fears and hatred of the Jews
Blamed them for everything
5 -- HITLER
Brilliant organiser and speaker
Charismatic
In total control of the Party
Gave it its programme and ideas
Reorganised it to make it attractive to rich and middle classes
Used violence to increase fears and then promised he could end it
Election campaigns and tactics
6 -- HITLER’S PROMISES
Made sure he played on fears / hopes
Offered something for everyone
Often contradictory promises
Deal with enemies and protect various groups
7 -- BACKROOM DEAL
Looked
as if finished by end of 1932 -- did deal
Came to power democratically at a time when Nazis beginning to fade
Weaknesses and divisions among his enemies allowed him into power
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