History - Nazi Germany - How and why was Hitler able to become Chancellor in January 1933?

• Wall Street Crash - In 1929 American Stock Exchange collaped - America called in all foreign loans - this destroyed the Weimar Republic

• Depression in Germany - because of the Wall Street Crash and Treaty of Versailles from WW1 - 6 million people unemployed - showed weakness of Weimar Republic who could not solve the problem

• The german people were angry with the Weimar Republic 
• Bruning, Von Papen and Von Schleicher were all chancellors within two years but could not solve the German Depression
• People turned towards extremist parties like Communists and Nazis

Hitler made promises to Germans:

• Protection from communism
• Destroy Treaty of Versailles
• Give jobs to everyone
• Regain national pride
• Increase in the price of agricultural products

Hitler gained votes because:

• Hitler was a very persuasive public speaker and understood ordinary people
• The SA ( stormtroopers in brownshirts) promoted Nazi activities and attacked opponents ( Communists) - led by Ernst Roem
• Propaganda by Joseph Goebbels - in newspapers, posters, radio and news films in cinemas

• 1928 - Nazis only had 12 seats
• 1932 - Nazis had 230 seats - largest party but never gained overall majority - 43.9%
• Reichstag was chaos - divided over how to deal with depression

• President Hindenberg and Von Papen offer Hitler the role of Vice Chancellor ( to have te Nazi Party on their side)
• Hitler refuses and demands to be Chancellor
• They agree thinking that they could control Hitler - January 1933 Hitler became Chancellor