Study Guides

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils study a modern society and the issues that affected it in great depth over a shorter period. They learn about the key events, developments, people and stories that shaped this modern society over a period of around twenty to thirty years.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain why Hitler became Chancellor of Germany in January 1933.

Key Notes

• The Reichstag was in deadlock, forcing leaders to rule by emergency decree under Article 48 of the constitution.
• Conservative elites removed Brüning and signalled a willingness to work with the Nazis to restore order.
• By July 1932, the Nazis were the largest party, but Hindenburg refused to make Hitler Chancellor, fearing extremism.
• Hindenburg turned to conservative allies Papen and Schleicher, but both failed as Nazis refused to cooperate.
• Hindenburg and Papen made Hitler Chancellor, thinking they could control him through a conservative-dominant cabinet.

Vocabulary To Learn

• deadlock: in politics, a deadlock happens when no party or group has a clear majority, so nothing can get passed or decided
• authoritarian: authoritarian governments give most power to one leader or a small group, this can bring stability and quick decisions, but offers few rights or choices for ordinary people
• conservative: someone who values tradition, social order, and gradual change; in 1930s Germany, conservatives wanted to protect the old institutions and were often opposed to democracy or radical movements
• Franz von Papen: a wealthy aristocrat and former army officer; he had little popular support but moved easily in elite political and military circles
• Kurt von Schleicher: a senior army officer and political schemer who worked behind the scenes to influence government decisions and shape power from the shadows

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• People "should have known" what Hitler would do once in power.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• 1923, the Ruhr and hyperinflation Study Guide
• Early unrest and the Treaty of Versailles Study Guide
• Economic recovery under Stresemann Study Guide
• Employment in Nazi Germany Study Guide
• Goebbels and propaganda in Nazi Germany Study Guide
• Hitler's creation of a dictatorship Study Guide
• Nazi control of the police and the legal system Study Guide
• Nazi racial ideology and the treatment of minorities Study Guide
• Opposition and resistance in Nazi Germany Study Guide
• Social and economic change 1924-29 Study Guide
• Stresemann's international achievements Study Guide
• The early development of the NSDAP Study Guide
• The First World War and the German Revolution Study Guide
• The growth in support for the Nazi Party Study Guide
• The growth of unemployment and rise in support for the Communist Party Study Guide
• The Munich Putsch Study Guide
• The Nazi Party and religion Study Guide
• The NSDAP's 'lean years' Study Guide
• The persecution of Jews Study Guide
• The Reichstag Fire and the Enabling Act Study Guide
• The Weimar Republic Study Guide
• Threats to the Weimar Republic from the left and the right Study Guide
• Weimar culture 1924-29 Study Guide
• Women in Nazi Germany Study Guide
• Work and life in Nazi Germany Study Guide
• Young people in Nazi Germany Study Guide