Why Did Hitler Become Chancellor In January 1933 Essay Example

led to frequent changes in the Reichstag, rendering it highly unstable. Additionally, the presence of right-wing government officials, particularly judges, who desired the elimination of the democratic government, further weakened the Republic internally. Following the Kapp Putsch in March 1920, only one out of seven hundred rebels prosecuted for treason was actually imprisoned. These internal vulnerabilities hampered the government's functionality and fueled the desire among many Germans to revert back to a familiar dictatorship.

During a time of unprecedented instability, the government enforced a new ultra-democratic constitution on a nation accustomed to strict and authoritative rule with defined roles for everyone. The Weimar Republic provided immense freedom to its citizens, resulting in negative consequences. Furthermore, external factors beyond the government's jurisdiction added to people's resistance. In its nascent stages, the Weimar Republic encountered uprisings from factions representing both left and right-wing ideologies.

The Spartacus League, a radical communist organization, began the Spartacist Uprising or revolt in January 1919. Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxemburg led this rebellion against the government with the aim of establishing a genuine communist revolution in Germany, similar to Russia's experience in 1917. They believed that Ebert's government would not prioritize the working class.

The Weimar Republic, perceived as weak and a symbol of Germany's defeat in the war by German Nationalists, faced challenges. In 1920, an extreme nationalist named Dr. Wolfgang Kapp led a brigade of 100,000 Freikorps to rebel against the Treaty of Versailles. They marched into Berlin and declared a new national government. Although these attempts failed to seize power, they showcased the vulnerability of the Republic and highlighted the extreme measures some parties were willing to take to dismantle it. The

Kapp Putsch specifically exposed Chancellor Ebert's weakness as he had to leave his capital for a second time, further undermining his authority within Germany.

The government's failure to establish authority in its own capital was a major concern for the public. The Treaty of Versailles was unpopular not just among right-wing parties but also had an impact on every individual in Germany because of its harsh provisions. The significant burden came from the extensive reparations amounting to i?? 6,600 million, which had to be paid gradually until 1984. As a result, numerous innocent Germans found themselves trapped in lifelong debt as they sought compensation for the war damage caused by their country.

In 1921, the German economy was in disarray due to the war. However, instead of being able to invest in rebuilding their own country, Germany had to send large amounts of money abroad. Unfortunately, their industry was not yet capable of generating such funds. This situation led many Germans to believe that this money was meant to destroy their country and deprive their children. Moreover, they strongly opposed Clause 231, also known as the War Guilt Clause, which placed full responsibility on Germany for all the destruction and harm caused by the war.

By accepting this condition, it granted the Allies the ethical authority to penalize Germany, affirming all the oppressive terms stipulated in the Treaty. This was an unbearable reality for every German, including Hitler. Chancellor Ebert's predecessor, Frederick Schneidemann, had declared 'May the hand wither that signs this treaty' and stepped down rather than witness his country succumbing to the will of Britain and France, a sentiment mirrored by Hitler. He had valiantly fought

and risked his life for a mighty nation, not one willing to yield and acknowledge defeat to its adversaries.

Despite the similar resentment towards the 'November Criminals' of the Weimar Republic, Hitler's reaction differed from Schneidemann's. Instead of feeling defeated, Hitler was motivated to dismantle the government he believed had betrayed him and Germany. He promised the German people that he could overturn the shameful Treaty and establish Germany as a powerful and respected nation worldwide. Naturally, this led to widespread support for Hitler.

They were tired of the government's meaningless, empty promises; one German citizen was quoted as saying "I was a man of thirty-two, weary with disgust and disillusionment, a wanderer seeking a cause, a patriot seeking an outlet for his patriotism." Along came this man who promised to redeem Germany's pride. He was like a ray of sunshine in a downpour of rain, and the German people saw him as their savior. However, the Nazi party's internal strengths were balanced with external weaknesses that aided its rise to power. Hitler and the Nazis were experts in propaganda.

Hitler used radio broadcasts to communicate with the public, thanks to the use of new technology. Advertising was overseen by Josef Goebbels and targeted people's emotions rather than using logical arguments. Election posters promoting the Nazis and their goals were placed throughout the country in large numbers. Additionally, organized rallies, parades, and marches were used as means of promotion. The anti-Jewish message was found to have the greatest appeal, and through extensive propaganda efforts, Hitler convinced people that Jews were responsible for the country's state and that he represented their only hope for salvation.

Financial

support from wealthy, communist-fearing businessmen and industrialists aided the Nazis in their propaganda campaign against communists, Jews, and the government. Hitler understood the power of emphasizing popular topics to rally support for himself and his party. He particularly exploited the German people's anti-Communist sentiments, instigating violence at election gatherings to allow the SA (or 'Brownshirts') to suppress it and be perceived as effectively addressing the communist threat.

In this manner, Hitler and the Nazis cultivated a highly perceptive method of propaganda. They acquired the ability to concentrate on matters that were significant to the people. Additionally, this form of aggression contributed to the triumph of the Nazi party. Hitler's SA or 'Brownshirts' were employed to intimidate adversaries like communists, with the aim of gaining votes. Power, violence, and competition were fundamental to the Nazi belief in 'survival of the fittest'. The Nazi party also displayed its strength by making pledges to voters and showing their adaptability.

When Hitler presented his Twenty-five Point Programme in 1920, he made various promises to different segments of society. These promises included job opportunities and an end to unemployment for the workers, restored profits for the employers, higher prices for farmers, and protection against competition for shopkeepers. Regardless of their socioeconomic status, every German citizen was assured that Hitler would assist them and restore national pride. Hitler was acknowledged as being deeply in touch with the sentiments of the German population and possessing a keen understanding of their aspirations. The Nazis also displayed a high level of adaptability in their political approach.

During their relentless pursuit of electoral victory, they discovered that the content of their promises to the German people was inconsequential

as long as trust was established. If they noticed that a particular idea, like the nationalization of industries, was causing a decline in support, they abandoned it because it became clear that influential business leaders, who provided significant financial support, disapproved. Nevertheless, the ultimate advantage for the Nazis was Hitler himself. His exceptional oratory skills were so captivating and inspiring that the substance of his words became irrelevant; it was purely his delivery that mattered.

The center of attention during all the campaigns was his personality and skills. He was a determined and volatile individual, having a strong conviction that he was appointed by God to become the ruler of Germany and govern the entire world. This idea motivated him to continue when other political figures might have given up. His unwavering self-confidence convinced the German population to have faith in him. His speeches were mesmerizing, providing people with someone to blame for Germany's decline and the injustice it had endured, including the victorious Allied forces of World War I, the unjust Treaty of Versailles, the individuals who signed it known as the 'November Criminals', as well as the Communists and Jews.

In 1924, Karl Ludecke, an early Hitler supporter, witnessed how Hitler had mesmerized and controlled both him and the masses through his unwavering beliefs. Ludecke found himself compelled to take action against any perceived enemy whenever Hitler spoke of Germany's shame. The power in Hitler's eyes was unparalleled, coupled with his exceptional abilities in organization and politics. Consequently, he founded the Nazi party with himself as its indisputable leader. With many members having served in World War I, including Hitler himself, their obedience, organization, and

teamwork within the party were further reinforced.

The Nazi party consisted of diverse social groups, including skilled workers, businessmen, lower employees, unskilled workers, farmers, students, and professionals. Despite their varied backgrounds, all members were well-trained individuals with a strong sense of motivation and loyalty that other political parties lacked. Unfortunately, these groups were underestimated and seen as weak compared to the Nazis' power. Instead of uniting to confront the challenge posed by the Nazis, they engaged in internal conflicts. Nevertheless, Hitler devised a plan known as the Munich Putsch in November 1923 to overthrow the Weimar Republic.

In September of the same year, Chancellor Gustav Stresemann made the choice to end passive resistance in the Ruhr and resume reparations payments to France. This decision deeply upset numerous Germans who viewed it as a significant betrayal. Hitler recognized a chance to manipulate public anger towards the government, especially considering the extreme hyperinflation resulting from the occupation of the Ruhr.

On November 9th, Hitler and the Nazi party attempted to overthrow the Reichstag by leading a march of 3,000 members towards Munich's city center. The rebellion was quickly crushed by the army and police, resulting in sixteen rebel deaths. Despite being injured, Hitler was able to flee in a car. Initially, it seemed that the Nazi party would collapse as Hitler faced prosecution and a five-year prison term. However, in the end, the failure of the Munich Putsch turned out to benefit the Nazis.

As a result of the extensive media coverage surrounding his trial, Hitler and his beliefs gained national fame and approval from many Germans. The Munich Putsch also had another important consequence, as the sixteen rebels who lost

their lives became martyrs for their cause and were effectively utilized in Nazi propaganda campaigns. However, the most significant impact of the Munich Putsch was that it afforded Hitler the opportunity to reassess his political approach during his prison term, which lasted only nine months.

Instead of using an armed revolt, Hitler chose to become a dictator through the legal election of himself and the Nazis into power, even though he was against this idea. He famously said, "If it takes longer to outvote the opposition deputies than to outshoot them, at least the results will be guaranteed by their own constitution."

"All his ideas whilst in prison were influenced by Hitler's book, 'Mein Kampf', which was later published in 1925. It served as a revered guide for many Germans. Despite their increasing popularity, the Nazis did not manage to obtain a majority in the Reichstag. Nevertheless, Germany enjoyed a period of economic prosperity during the 'Stresemann Years'. This stability was achieved through loan programs such as the Dawes Plan. Tensions with Europe also eased, and Germany proudly regained its stature by joining the League of Nations alongside Britain and France."

Before 1929, individuals could no longer rely on extremist parties for assistance. However, everything changed when the Wall Street crash occurred, triggering a global economic downturn. The United States decided to demand repayment of loans from Germany, resulting in the inevitable collapse of the German economy. As a consequence, unemployment figures skyrocketed and individuals found themselves starving on the streets. This crisis presented people with an opportunity to search for a scapegoat and consider extreme measures as potential resolutions for their escalating issues.

Hitler took advantage of the

situation and provided hope and success to the desperate German people during the elections. This led to a significant increase in the number of Nazi seats in the Reichstag, from twelve in 1928 to two hundred and thirty in July 1932. The Depression further worsened the already struggling Weimar Republic, making the situation appear unsolvable once again. As a result, a political crisis occurred as Bruning, Schleicher, and Von Papen, who served as successive Chancellors within two years, were seen as incapable of resolving Germany's problems.

Franz Von Papen, a friend of President Hindenburg, did not have enough support in the Reichstag. Both the President and the Chancellor constantly ruled by emergency decree. Hitler was seen as the "last hope" by ordinary Germans and Hindenburg himself. Hindenburg made an offer to Hitler to become vice-Chancellor, with the requirement of complete support. However, Hitler understood that the government was deteriorating and saw this as the perfect opportunity to take power. As a result, he rejected the offer and demanded to be appointed Chancellor.

In spite of their knowledge of Hitler's immense popularity, Hindenburg and Von Papen took a calculated risk by believing they could manage him. On January 30, 1933, President Hindenburg appointed Adolf Hitler as Germany's Chancellor. From my point of view, although Hitler's exceptional internal skills and the widespread appeal of the Nazis greatly contributed to their rise to power, it was ultimately the long-term factors that played a vital role in Hitler assuming the position of Chancellor in 1933.

Hitler's ability to establish a dictatorship in Germany was facilitated by the absence of a trustworthy and unwavering government that could earn the complete confidence of its

people, despite the profound animosity and resentment within the German populace and the vulnerabilities of the Weimar Republic. If there had been a robust administration to rely on, Hitler's triumph would have been unattainable, regardless of his skills as a persuasive orator and propagandist. I do not agree with solely attributing this result to Hitler's cunning.

During the Stresemann Years, Hitler's influence dwindled despite his charismatic speeches and effective propaganda. The government regained stability, and although Germany's wealth and strength were not at their heyday, the people managed to cope once again. Hitler was able to resonate with the masses due to the lack of a viable alternative opposition that exuded similar strength, self-confidence, and pride as he did.

I acknowledge that certain external factors, including the Kapp Putsch, significantly damaged the government's prestige and reputation. However, if its foundations had been robust and trustworthy, it could have endured these assaults and made a recovery. No political leader in the Reichstag possessed the capability or willingness to oppose this individual's rise to power. Ultimately, Hitler did not seize power, but rather, it was handed to him.