Option 31: Key topic 2: Hitler’s rise to power, 1919–33 - 4 How Hitler became Chancellor, 1932–33 — Edexcel GCSE History
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Option 31: Key topic 2: Hitler’s rise to power, 1919–33 - 4 How Hitler became Chancellor, 1932–33 explained
In 1932, Hitler challenged Hindenburg in the Presidential elections, significantly raising his national profile despite losing.
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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.
Your focus
- Describe the outcomes and significance of the Presidential and Reichstag elections of 1932.
- Explain the political manoeuvring and motives of Hindenburg and von Papen in January 1933.
- Evaluate the extent to which Hitler's appointment as Chancellor was due to his own electoral success versus the miscalculations of Weimar politicians.
Option 31: Key topic 2: Hitler’s rise to power, 1919–33 - 4 How Hitler became Chancellor, 1932–33 exam tips
Marking 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.
Examiner 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.
Common Mistakes
- Error: Stating that Hitler was elected as Chancellor by the German public. Correction: Explain that Chancellors were appointed by the President under Article 53, and Hitler was appointed through a backroom political deal.
- Error: Believing Hindenburg wanted Hitler to be Chancellor. Correction: Emphasise that Hindenburg despised Hitler and only appointed him as a last resort.
- Error: Confusing the roles of von Papen and von Schleicher. Correction: Clearly distinguish that von Papen was the one who brokered the deal with Hitler to oust von Schleicher.