How Hitler Became Chancellor: Key Factors and Political Strategy

Nazi Tactics and Hitler's Leadership

Another factor that enabled Hitler to become Chancellor was the Nazi Party's tactics and Hitler’s leadership skills. After the failure of the Munich Putsch, Hitler was convinced the only way to gain power would be by legal means. This is evidenced by their membership increasing to over 100,000 by 1929. The party also targeted successful propaganda at farmers and the middle class from 1928 onwards.

Hitler’s leadership of the party was secure, and members accepted his key ideas expressed in Mein Kampf:

• Ideas of dictatorship
• Racial purity
• View of communism as a Jewish conspiracy
• Lebensraum (living space)

The party also increased the use of public meetings, where Hitler utilized his skills in delivering powerful speeches. This was significant to Hitler becoming Chancellor because it won over many people, setting strong foundations for the future.

Political Maneuvering: Von Schleicher and Von Papen

The political maneuvering between Von Schleicher and Von Papen was another critical factor. By this time, the Nazis were the largest party in the Reichstag. Although the leader of the largest party usually becomes Chancellor, other parties refused to work with Hitler. The constitution gave President Hindenburg the right to choose the Chancellor, and he initially refused to appoint Hitler because he despised him.

Hindenburg appointed Von Papen as Chancellor, but Von Papen had no support in the Reichstag. Hitler refused to cooperate, leading to another election. During this period, Von Schleicher (Hindenburg’s main advisor) withdrew support for Von Papen, intending to become Chancellor himself. This triggered a power struggle. Eventually, Von Papen agreed to work with Hitler, resulting in Von Schleicher's resignation due to a lack of support. Hindenburg was then advised to appoint Hitler as Chancellor to avoid a potential Nazi revolt and civil war.

Weaknesses of the Weimar Republic

The inherent weaknesses of the Weimar Republic also facilitated Hitler's rise. Following the Great Depression in 1929, Germany faced severe unemployment and growing poverty. The Weimar government appeared unable to address these issues effectively.

The government believed it had two choices to combat the depression:

• Printing more money: This had been tried in 1923 and resulted in hyperinflation.
• Balancing the budget: Chancellor Brüning prioritized avoiding hyperinflation over addressing unemployment, raising taxes and reducing benefits.

These austerity measures made the government deeply unpopular. This was crucial to Hitler becoming Chancellor, as the public had to lose faith in the Weimar Republic before they would turn to the Nazi Party.