Hitler

There were many reasons why Hitler became chancellor in 1933. In many ways

the Depression was the most important reason why Hitler came to power in

1933. The Depression derived from the Wall Street Crash, when people rushed

to sell their shares because they realised the companies were doing badly.

Thousands of businesses and people were ruined. This affected Germany

because America withdrew its loans and the German economy collapsed.

Millions were left unemployed. The new Weimar government broke down and

people were ready to listen to groups like Hitler's Nazis, who promised a

strong government and a better way of life. People who had never been

interested in politics before found themselves listening to extremist groups

because the government had collapsed. The Depression was a tremendous piece

of good luck for the Nazis, because it enabled them to get the majority of

the vote in Germany (43.9%).

Hitler also became chancellor due to the actions of Franz Von Papen, the

existing chancellor in 1932. Von Papen wanted to win the support of the

Nazis because he saw them as potential supporters who he could use to

strengthen his own position with backing from the Nazis, Von Papen believed

he would have the majority of the support in the cabinet. Hitler did not

co-operate with Von Papen because he was set on becoming chancellor In

December 1932 President Hindenburg made general Schleicher chancellor of

Germany. Von Papen wanted a return to power so he struck a deal with the

Nazis. The deal was that Hitler would be chancellor and Papen would be

vice-chancellor. After a lot of persuasion Hindenburg made Hitler

chancellor. Von Papen reported, "We've hired him". This was an important

reason but not as important as the Depression for Hitler coming to power

because even though Hitler got the power he always craved, he would not have

succeeded without the effects of the Depression.

Another reason how Hitler achieved his aims was through his political

tactics and Nazi propaganda. Nazi propaganda made Hitler as the only leader

who could save Germany and said he was destined to become national leader.

Many Germans liked the Nazis' anti-Communist views. Goebbels manipulated

propaganda very well, he modified many effective posters with clever slogans

such as, "Work, freedom and bread". He also organised mass