How did Hitler become leader of Germany in 1933

How did Hitler become leader of Germany in 1933

1. Nazi propaganda and tactics

   • The Nazis were well organised
     • Many members were ex-soldiers and this brought discipline
       • The SA was used to disrupt opponents
   • Goebells was brilliant at the use of propaganda
     • Each section of society was targeted with specific promises
       • Workers were promised jobs
         • Employers were promised higher profits
       • The Nazis owned 8 newspapers
         • Der Sturmer was the most influential in getting the Nazi message across
   • The Nazis were very flexible in their apporach
     • Unpopular policies were quickly dropped
       • Promises were deliberately vague
         • 'Make Germany great again'

2. Hitler's skills as a leader

   • He was portrayed as the strong leader that Germany needed
     • This appealed to many Germans as they were used to a dominant ruler - the Kaiser
       • Election Posters portrayed Hitler as Germany's last hope
   • He was a brilliant public speaker
     • He could captivate audiences with his style
       • He raised his public profile by running for President in 1932
         • He was defeated by Hindenburg
           • BUT now all Germans knew who he was
             • And they were aware of what the Nazis offered
         • Hitler used a plane to campaign all over Germany

3. The impact of the Great Depression

   • 6 million unemployed by 1933
   • The young were hit very hard - 50% of those under 30 were unemployed
   • Many businesses were forced to close
     • 40% of Factory workers were unemployed
   • Farmers had been hit by falling prices since 1925
     • The depression caused them to be further in debt
   • The Depression caused poverty on a scale rarely seen
     • Many people became homeless
       • They were desperate for a solution

4. The weakness of the Weimar Republic

   • The electoral system meant that coalition governments were common
     • They struggled to make important decisions
       • Democracy was eroded through the use of Article 48
         • This made the Nazis more appealing
           • After all, Hitler was calling for an end to democratic government
       • Bruning was determined to avoid the hyperinflation of 1923
         • He cut wages, raised taxes and cut unemployment benefit
           • These policies weren't going to be popular!

5. The events of 1932-33

   • A coalition government fell from power in 1930
     • Bruning took power but was very unpopular
       • The worsening economic situation saw Bruning fall from power in 1932
         • He was replaced by Franz Von Papen
           • He had to use Article 48 to rule as he didn't have a majority
             • Von Schleicher is appointed as Chancellor in November 1932
               • The Nazis were the largest party but Hindenburg disliked Hitler
                 • Their vote fell in November 1932
                   • It looked like they had missed their chance
               • Von Schleicher struggles to control the Reichstag
                 • Van Papen persuades Hindenburg to appoint Hitler Chancellor in January 1933
                   • Van Papen suggests he will control Hitler from his position as vice-chancellor ...