The Collapse of Democracy 2

1932 Elections

Following the turmoil of Papen's government, elections were held. This demonstrated the rising support for extremist groups, particularly the Nazi party.

Election in July 1932

The Nazis and Communists, both dedicated to overthrow of the Weimar regime, won over half the seats.
With 37% of the vote, the Nazis were the biggest party.
In August 1932 Hitler demanded to be made Chancellor with an Enabling Act enabling him to issue decrees himself.
Hindenburg disliked Hitler, not least because of his humble background, and refused.
Papen tried to build support in the Reichstag but was unable to.

Reaction to the July election

In September 1932 the Reichstag declared no-confidence in Papen by 512 votes to 42. The DNVP and DVP backed him. Hindenburg dissolved the Reichstag.
Papen and Hindenburg did not want to call another election, but this would be unconstitutional. Schleicher warned it might cause civil war.

Election in November 1932

The Nazis lost two million votes, their share was 33.1%, by far the largest party in the Reichstag. The KPD share went up to 16.9%.
Together these anti-Weimar parties controlled half the Reichstag. Political deadlock remained. The élite asked for Hitler to be Chancellor.

Reaction to the November election

Hindenburg demanded Hitler must control a majority in the Reichstag first. Hitler would not agree to a coalition, as it would require compromise.
Papen’s proposal was to remain Chancellor, get rid of the Reichstag, use the army to suppress opposition and write a new authoritarian constitution.
Schleicher again warned of civil war.
His aim was to bring right and left wing together to support constitutional change.

Schleicher and Papen's Plan

Although Schliecher became chancellor it was apparent that his government was weak. Papen developed a plan where Hitler would become chancellor. He thought he could control him like a puppet-master.

Schleicher becoming chancellor

In December 1932, Schleicher persuaded Hindenburg to make him Chancellor.
The left wing Nazi Gregor Strasser was Vice Chancellor. Schleicher developed Brüning’s land reforms.
Schleicher’s plan failed. It alienated the Junkers and failed to win the support of the socialist section of the Nazi Party. Papen made his move against Schleicher.

Papen's plan

Papen wanted to make Hitler Chancellor with him as his vice.
Papen believed Hitler could be controlled.
Otto Meissner:
- Papen won Hindenburg over with ‘misgivings that… a revolt of the national socialists and civil war were likely if Hitler were not appointed.’
Kershaw (1991)
- ‘Hitler needed the elite to attain power. But by January 1933, they in turn needed Hitler…’
On 16 January 1933 Hitler became Chancellor.

Historical assessment

The historian Salmon argues that ‘Nazism came to power as a result of a miscalculation by conservative politicians and the military after a large number, [not] a majority, of the electorate had put it in a position to contend for power.’
Historian Laffen argues that ‘… the National Socialists came to power more because of their enemies' weaknesses and failures than because of their own strength.’
The historian Harman argues that ‘the generals and industrialists estimated…that ruling with [the Nazis who] would destroy the working-class organisations was preferable’

1Political & Governmental Change, 1918-1989

1.1Creation & Collapse of Weimar, 1918-1932

1.1.1Creation of a Republic

1.1.2Strengths & Weaknesses of Weimar Constitution

1.1.3Overcoming Challenges to the Constitution

1.1.4The Great Depression

1.1.5The Collapse of Democracy

1.1.6The Collapse of Democracy 2

1.1.7Hitler Becomes Chancellor

1.2Nazi Dictatorship, 1933-1945

1.2.1Establishing a Dictatorship

1.2.2Consolidating Power

1.2.3Nature of Government

1.2.4Government in Wartime

1.2.5Top Grade AO2/3 - Political & Governmental Change

1.3Return to Democratic Government, 1945-1989

1.3.1Creation of the FRG, 1945-1949

1.3.2Consolidation Under Adenauer

1.3.3Consolidation Under Erhard

1.3.4Maintaining Stability Under Brandt

1.3.5Maintaining Stability Under Schmidt

1.3.6Maintaining Stability Under Kohl

1.3.7Top Grade AO2/3 - Return to Democratic Government

2Opposition, Control & Consent 1918-1989

2.1Opposition to Government, 1918-1989

2.1.1Impact of Versailles

2.1.2Political Extremism & Crises, 1918-1932

2.1.3Opposition & Dissent in Nazi Germany, 1933-1945

2.1.4Political Dissent from the Left, 1949-1989

2.1.5Political Dissent from the Right, 1949-1989

2.1.6Top Grade AO2/3 - Opposition to Government 1918-89

2.2Controlling the People, 1918-1989

2.2.1Attempts to Control Extremism

2.2.2Repression, 1933-1945

2.2.3Censorship & Propaganda, 1933-1945

2.2.4De-Nazification Policies of Western Allies, 1945

2.2.5Constitutional & Legal Response to Extremism, 1949

2.3Popular Support, 1918-1989

2.3.1The Nature of Support for the Weimar Government

2.3.2Support for the Nazi Regime

2.3.3The Nature of Support for Democracy, 1945-1989

2.3.4Top Grade AO2/3 - Controlling the People

3Economic Developments & Policies, 1918-1989

3.1Reacting to Economic Challenges, 1918-1932

3.1.1Economic Crises & Government Response, 1918-1923

3.1.2Economic Loans, 1924-1928

3.1.3Policies for Recovery, 1924-1929

3.1.4The Great Depression

3.1.5Change in Living Standards

3.1.6Top Grade AO2/3 - Reacting to Economic Challenges

3.2Controlling the Economy, 1933-1945

3.2.1Attempting Economic Recovery

3.2.2Creating a Command Economy

3.2.3Change in Living Standards

3.2.4Impact of War

3.2.5Impact of War 2

3.2.6Top Grade AO2/3 - Controlling the Economy

3.3Creating the Social Market Economy, 1945-1989

3.3.1Economic Recovery, 1945-1955

3.3.2The Economic Miracle, 1955-1966

3.3.3Surviving the Recession, 1960-1969

3.3.4The Oil Crisis

3.3.5Integration into the European Economy

3.3.6Change in Living Standards

3.3.7Top Grade AO2/3 - Creating Social Market Economy

4Aspects of Life, 1918-1989

4.1Attitudes Towards Women, 1918-1989

4.1.1Role & Status of Women in the Weimar Republic

4.1.2Impact of Kinder, Küche, Kirche

4.1.3Impact of WW2 on Women

4.1.4Role & Status of Women in the FRG

4.1.5Top Grade AO2/3 - Attitudes Towards Women

4.2Education & Cultural Developments, 1918-1989

4.2.1Education in Weimar

4.2.2Cultural Experimentation in Weimar

4.2.3Education Under the Nazis

4.2.4Nazi Culture

4.2.5Education in the FRG

4.2.6Generational Conflict

4.2.7Top Grade AO2/3 - Education & Cultural Development

4.3Position of Ethnic Minorities, 19189-1989

4.3.1Ethnic Minorities in the Weimar Republic

4.3.2Nazi Racial Policies, 1933-1939

4.3.3Nazi Racial Policies During the War

4.3.4Ethnic Minorities in the FRG

4.3.5Top Grade AO2/3 - Position of Ethnic Minorities

5Historical Interpretations

5.1Influence of German History

5.1.1Influence of German History

5.2Hitler & Foreign Policy

5.2.1Hitler & Foreign Policy

5.3Contribution of Other Nations to WW2

5.3.1Weak Nations

5.3.2Appeasement

5.3.3The Rise of Fascism

5.4Reasons for Invading Poland

5.4.1Reasons for Invading Poland

5.4.2Top Grade AO2/3 - Historical Interpretation

Jump to other topics