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Why did Hindenburg appoint Hitler?

GCSE · History · AQA · H1.3 — The rise of the Nazi Party 1919–1933: Hitler’s leadership, the Nazi Party’s ideology and tactics, impact of the Depression, why Hitler became Chancellor in January 1933

Question

Explain why Hindenburg appointed Hitler Chancellor on 30 January 1933. (8 marks)

Mark scheme — Levels 1–4. Key points:

  • Reichstag was unworkable: Nazis largest party but still 230 of 608 seats; SPD/KPD would not coalesce.
  • Hindenburg disliked Hitler (he called him "the Bohemian corporal") but had run out of options.
  • Papen and other conservatives told Hindenburg they could "tame" Hitler by giving him a cabinet of mostly conservatives.
  • Papen would be Vice-Chancellor with the right to be present at all meetings.
  • Fear of communism — KPD won 100 seats in Nov 1932.
  • Schleicher's failure as Chancellor convinced Hindenburg fresh leadership was needed. A top-level answer notes that Hitler did not seize power; it was handed to him by elite miscalculation.

8 marks · take your time before peeking.

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Generated by TopMyGrade AI · cross-check official sources before relying on the mark-scheme phrasing.