jan 29, 1933 - Hitler Becomes Chancellor
Description:
On this day, Hitler is appointed as the Chancellor of Germany by President Max van Hindenberg (pictured).
In 1932, the parliament was such that no party or coalition could form a majority to appoint the cabinet and Chancellor. In the Weimar Republic Constitution, it states the President can select a Chancellor and allow them to select the cabinet.
Hindenberg chose Hitler because he trusted him and believed he would unite Germany in a time of political disarray (though of course not in the way Hitler imagined).
Hitler used this position to eventually pass the enabling act, effectively giving him dictatorial powers. He used these to rig the election of 1934 and truly bring the Nazi party to a place of supreme power in German politics.
It was Hitler's cunning negotiation and political talent that got him this position and led the Nazis to the tyrannical place they ended up. If Hitler had died before this point, it is possible the Nazis may still have come to power, but it would be a much slower process and they may not have ended up with as complete control as they did.
This day is truly the changing of the balance of power...
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