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Hitler became Chancellor in 1933 only because of the effects of the Depression. Do you agree?


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 parades and
rallies so everyone in Germany would know the Nazis.  Many Germans were
impressed by the Nazis dedication and so they earned respect.
The Nazis cleverly delivered the idea that if they came to power there would
be something for everyone.  For example farmers were promised higher prices
for their goods and shopkeepers were offered protection against big
businesses.  The pledges were deliberately vague though.  This was not a
very important reason for Hitler becoming chancellor, for it did not give
much support during the period before the Wall Street clash - although it
did deliver the message of the Nazis very clearly.  During the Depression
the German public were not so concerned with the detailed aims of the Nazis
when in power.  They just wanted a new government and leader who could help
Germany from the great Depression.
Nonetheless no one reason can explain why Hitler gained power in Germany in
1933.  Many of the reasons are inter-linked.  The Depression led to high
unemployment because factories had closed down, and farmers and many
businessmen could not sell their goods.  The Depression led to millions
supporting parties that worked to end the Weimar republic.  Many businessmen
then looked to Hitler to defend them from the communists.  The deal with Von
Papen led to Hitler gaining office as chancellor and eventually becoming a
dictator.  Goebbels' intelligent propaganda then built on the anti-Communist
and anti-Semitic views that already existed in Germany.  This in turn
further increased the popularity of the Nazis.

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