Study Guides

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils undergo a period study that provides an unfolding narrative which tells a story about a period that shaped the world we live in today. They look at the key events, developments, people and stories that defined the chosen period.

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
• Germany before the First World War Study Guide
• Germany's naval ambitions before the First World War Study Guide
• Goebbels and propaganda in Nazi Germany Study Guide
• Hitler's creation of a dictatorship Study Guide
• Industrialisation, social reform and the growth of socialism Study Guide
• Nazi racial ideology and the treatment of minorities Study Guide
• Opposition and resistance to Hitler and the Nazi Party Study Guide
• Stresemann's international achievements Study Guide
• The Final Solution 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 Nazi economy and WW2 Study Guide
• The Nazi Party and religion Study Guide
• The Nazi police state Study Guide
• The persecution of Jews Study Guide
• The putsches of 1919-23 Study Guide
• The Reichstag Fire and the Enabling Act Study Guide
• The Weimar Republic 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