Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · History
Course version: 1HI0 · Version from Sept 2016
Key topic 2: Hitler’s rise to power, 1919–33 - 4 How Hitler became…
Full specification wording
Option 31: Key topic 2: Hitler’s rise to power, 1919–33 - 4 How Hitler became Chancellor, 1932–33: The Presidential and Reichstag elections of 1932; reasons for Hitler becoming Chancellor in 1933, including the roles of Hindenburg and von Papen.
In 1932, Hitler challenged Hindenburg in the Presidential elections, significantly raising his national profile despite losing.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
In 1932, Hitler challenged Hindenburg in the Presidential elections, significantly raising his national profile despite losing. The Reichstag elections of July 1932 made the Nazis the largest party, though their vote share dipped in November. Hitler's appointment as Chancellor in January 1933 resulted from political intrigue rather than an outright electoral majority. President Hindenburg despised Hitler but struggled to form a stable government. Franz von Papen, seeking to regain power after being ousted by von Schleicher, convinced Hindenburg to appoint Hitler as Chancellor with von Papen as Vice-Chancellor. They mistakenly believed they could control Hitler. This backroom deal, driven by conservative fears of communism and a desire for a majority, ultimately handed Hitler the Chancellorship.
What earns the marks
- Outline the significance of the 1932 Presidential elections in establishing Hitler as a credible national leader despite his defeat by Hindenburg.
- Explain the results of the July and November 1932 Reichstag elections, noting the Nazi Party's status as the largest party but with declining support by November.
- Detail the political scheming between von Papen and Hindenburg, who wanted to use Hitler's popular support to create a majority government while controlling him.
- Describe the role of von Schleicher's failure as Chancellor in prompting von Papen to propose the deal that made Hitler Chancellor.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Stating that Hitler was elected as Chancellor by the German public.
Put it right: Explain that Chancellors were appointed by the President under Article 53, and Hitler was appointed through a backroom political deal.
Believing Hindenburg wanted Hitler to be Chancellor.
Put it right: Emphasise that Hindenburg despised Hitler and only appointed him as a last resort.
Confusing the roles of von Papen and von Schleicher.
Put it right: Clearly distinguish that von Papen was the one who brokered the deal with Hitler to oust von Schleicher.
Exam tips
- Focus on the concept of political intrigue or backroom deals when explaining the events of January 1933.
- Clearly articulate the motives of Hindenburg and von Papen: they needed Hitler's Reichstag seats and believed they could control him.
- Use the timeline of elections in 1932 to show that Nazi electoral momentum was actually stalling just before Hitler was appointed.
Try the lesson
The start of the Option 31: Key topic 2: Hitler’s rise to power, 1919–33 - 4 How Hitler became Chancellor, 1932–33: The Presidential and Reichstag elections of 1932; reasons for Hitler becoming Chancellor in 1933, including the roles of Hindenburg and von Papen. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
What was the outcome of the July 1932 Reichstag election for the Nazi Party?
Listen
In 1932, Hitler challenged Hindenburg in the Presidential elections, significantly raising his national profile despite losing. The Reichstag elections of July 1932 made the Nazis the largest party, though their vote share dipped in November. Hitler's appointment as Chancellor in January 1933 resulted from political intrigue rather than an outright electoral majority. President Hindenburg despised Hitler but struggled to form a stable government. Franz von Papen, seeking to regain power after being ousted by von Schleicher, convinced Hindenburg to appoint Hitler as Chancellor with von Papen as Vice-Chancellor. They mistakenly believed they could control Hitler. This backroom deal, driven by conservative fears of communism and a desire for a majority, ultimately handed Hitler the Chancellorship. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Outline the significance of the 1932 Presidential elections in establishing Hitler as a credible national leader despite his defeat by Hindenburg. Explain the results of the July and November 1932 Reichstag elections, noting the Nazi Party's status as the largest party but with declining support by November. Detail the political scheming between von Papen and Hindenburg, who wanted to use Hitler's popular support to create a majority government while controlling him. Describe the role of von Schleicher's failure as Chancellor in prompting von Papen to propose the deal that made Hitler Chancellor. A common slip: Stating that Hitler was elected as Chancellor by the German public. Instead, Explain that Chancellors were appointed by the President under Article 53, and Hitler was appointed through a backroom political deal. Exam tip: Focus on the concept of political intrigue or backroom deals when explaining the events of January 1933.
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