Jan. '33: Hitler is Appointed Chancellor

Read the .pdfs "Epilogue - NSDAP and Totalitarian Rule" and "Supplementary Documents." These can be found in the 1932 Reichstag Elections collection.

1. Why did Hinderburg's advisers agree to the appointment of Hitler as chancellor in January 1933?
The November 1932 elections convinced them that Hitler could be a successful leader, and they thought that he could be kept in check by being surrounded with responsible conservative ministers. They expected Hitler's supporters would be transformed into the foundation of a restructured, conservative government. Many of Hindenburg's advisers belonged to the German Nation People's Party and had never been deeply committed to the Weimar system.

2. Why is the term "totalitarianism" used to describe Nazi Germany?
Hitler got rid of political opponents of the Nazis and placed loyal NSDAP members in key government positions. Hitler extended control to all aspects of German society, including the schools, the military, the press, the churches, and the arts.

3. Why did the Enabling Law allow Hitler to overcome the constitutional restraints of the Weimar system?
Hitler made a law that enabled his cabinet to enact new laws without the approval of the parliament or the president. This allowed him to dismantle the Weimar system.

4. What was the goal of Goebbels' Ministry of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda?
Goebbels took control of the media, so that anything produced and released into the public was made by the Nazis. This way, nothing that was in opposition of the Nazi's could be produced, so the public was persuaded to like the Nazis.

5. How did Hitler destroy potential sources of opposition?
He eliminated the other parties, he put NSDAP supporters into key positions of the government, the propaganda ensured that nothing opposing the Nazis would be published.

6. Which laws served as the first steps in Hitler's plan to eliminate Germany's Jewish community?
-Nuremburg Laws on Citizenship and Race, September 15, 2935
-Law for the Protection of German Blood and Honor, September 15, 1935
-Supplementary Decree on Citizenship, November 14, 1935