How did Hitler become Chancellor in 1933?
In 1932 Hitler stood in the presidential elections against Hindenburg. Hindenburg won 17 million votes, Hitler won 11 million. Hindenburg was very angry that Hitler had dared to stand against him. In the July 1932 general election, the Nazis became the biggest party in Reichstag, but Hindenburg refused to appoint Hitler Chancellor. Franz von Papen became chancellor. Von Papen was a political nobody with almost no support in the Reichstag. In November there was another general election. In the November 1932 election, the Nazis lost some support, but were still the biggest party in the Reichstag. Franz von Papen was replaced as chancellor by General Kurt von Schleicher.
Schleicher had even less support than von Papen and only lasted a month. The problem was that Hindenburg wanted a chancellor who he could trust (preferably a general), but the Reichstag was dominated by the Nazis, Socialists and Communists. Von Papen was furious that von Schleicher had taken his place and was determined to get rid of him. In January 1933, he suggested that Hindenburg appoint Hitler as chancellor, with von Papen as vice-chancellor in a coalition government. Von Papen thought he could control Hitler. Hindenburg against his better judgement agreed. On 31 January 1933 Hitler became chancellor of Germany. He led a coalition government, which included four Nazis.
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