How did Hitler become Chancellor in 1933



How did Hitler become Chancellor in 1933?

By 1932 the Nazis were so popular in Germany that they were the biggest political party in the Reichstag (had the most votes the German people). But the President at the time, President Hindenburg, didn’t trust Hitler and refused to appoint him as Chancellor. Instead he appointed the leader of the Catholic Centre Party as Chancellor. This man was called Von Papen. However Von Papen was unpopular in the Reichstag and MPs, particularly the Nazis, wouldn’t listen to him and kept storming out. Hindenburg was forced to sack him as Chancellor and make a new man, Von Schleicher, Chancellor instead. He wasn’t much better and couldn’t control the Reichstag either.

Von Papen was furious to have been given the sack. In his anger he agreed a deal with Hitler. Von Papen and Hitler agreed that they should ask Hindenburg to make Hitler Chancellor and Von Papen Vice-Chancellor. Hindenburg agreed to the deal. Even though he still hated Hitler he thought that, with himself as President and Von Papen as Vice-Chancellor, they would be able to control Hitler and stop him from becoming too powerful. Hitler was made Chancellor on 30th January 1933. He was one step closer to becoming German Dictator.

Questions

Answer in full sentences

1. Who was the German President in 1932?

2. Why wouldn’t the President appoint Hitler as Chancellor even though he had the most votes?

3. Who was Von Papen?

4. Why was Von Papen sacked as Chancellor?

5. Who was made Chancellor instead?

6. What did Von Papen and Hitler agree?

7. Why did the President agree to this?

8. When was Hitler appointed as Chancellor?

Extension question:

‘Hitler became Chancellor in 1933 because he was lucky’. Do you agree.

Write a short paragraph to explain how far you agree with this opinion. Make sure you give evidence to support your point of view.

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