Hitler's consolidation of power and the rise of the Nazis.

- Germany was able to have an economic recovery under Chancellor Stresemann (A German Liberal politician and statesmand who served as Chancellor during the Weimar Republic) and all was generally well.

- The US Wall Street Crash had devastated Germany as US loans were called back in causing unemployment to increase (6 million, 1932).

- The Weimar government had no choice but to use Article 48, agreed by Preident Hindenburg.

- Economic problems created political problems: Extreme parties got more support, eventually meaning that the Nazis had become the second largest political party in Germany in 1932, after the election in September 1930called by Chancellor Bruning gaining them 107 seats. They then went on to become the largest party.

Increase of support via Propaganda: Mass rallies, posters, radio and the running of 120 Nazi newspapers. In 1933, Hitler appointed Goebbels as Reich Minister of Propaganda and ensured that the Nazi message was simple & frequently (The Weimar government had caused the crisis and coalition is no good, the Nazis would unite Germany, blaming problems on November criminals, the Treaty of Versailles and Jews) used along with playing on people's fear of Communism.

The role of Hitler increased support for the Nazis: Hitler had developed the art of public speaking and he presented the party as law abiding and democratic after the Munich Putsch. Hitler could be all things to all people, he was a war hero, the saviour, the ordinary man in the street. His vision was to make Germany the strongest nation in the world. Hitler had charisma and most other politicians lacked it, so he created image his whole existence was given over to Germany.

- A general election was called for July 1932, where the Nazis won 230 seats and were now the largest party in the Reichstag. But President Hindenburg refused to make Hitler chancellor. Von Papen became  the Chancellor and called new elections for November 1932. The Nazis vote fell and they only got 196 seats but were still the largest party, with 33% of the vote. 

- Von Papen the Chancellor lost the support of Hindenburg, and he made von Schliecher Chancellor. He was determined to regain power and with the help of industrialists, he was able to convince Hindenburg to make Hitler Chancellor of a coalition government and Von Papen to be vice chancellor. Von Papen said he would be able to control Hitler.

- On 30 Jan 1933 Hitler became Chancellor of Germany. He was leader of the largest party, and had been invited to be leader by the President. He had achieved his aim of becoming Chancellor by legal and democratic means.