Weaknesses and Mistakes of Opponents

The ascent of the Nazi Party in Germany was not solely due to their own strengths; rather, the weaknesses and mistakes of their opponents played a crucial role. Here are key factors related to the errors and vulnerabilities of those who opposed the Nazis:

President Hindenburg

Paul von Hindenburg, the President of Germany, was in his 80s by 1933, and some historians speculate that he was senile at this time. In 1932, Hindenburg stood in the Presidential election primarily to prevent Hitler from being elected.

Arguments for Influence

Hindenburg's health had deteriorated to the point where he was unable to effectively govern Germany by 1932. If he had stepped aside in favor of a younger leader, that person might have found it easier to prevent Hitler's rise to power.

Arguments Against Influence

Hitler managed to secure 37% of the national vote in the 1932 Presidential election, even when pitted against the popular Hindenburg. This suggests that Hindenburg's replacement might not have been able to prevent Hitler's ascent.

Article 48

Weimar's Constitution included Article 48, which granted significant powers to the President, enabling them to pass laws in the event of a national emergency without Reichstag approval.

Arguments for Importance

• The use of Article 48 was seen by many as undemocratic and eroded confidence in the democratic system. This established a precedent that Hitler would later exploit when he assumed power.
• Article 48 was invoked because political parties failed to cooperate effectively. Hindenburg's use of this law allowed for government action during crises, which may have placated some of the public's anger.

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Weaknesses & mistakes of opponents

Regular Elections

• Hindenburg permitted multiple Reichstag elections between 1928 and 1933, even when not mandated by the Weimar Constitution.

Arguments for Influence

• Frequent elections during times of crisis, such as the Great Depression, contributed to disillusionment with democracy and bolstered support for Hitler.

Arguments Against Influence

• Hindenburg's actions were often forced upon him due to the refusal of rival parties to collaborate effectively, compelling the President to pass laws or hold new elections.

SPD/KPD Divide

• The Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the German Communist Party (KPD), both left-wing parties, refused to work together due to a long-standing dispute stemming from the Spartacist Revolt.

Arguments for Influence

• If these left-wing parties had cooperated, they might have been able to counter Hitler's rise more effectively. Their failure to unite allowed the Nazis to exploit this division.

Arguments Against Influence

• The inclusion of Communists in a government might have alienated other parties, making it difficult to pass laws and leading to the government's collapse.

1925 Presidential Election

• During the 1925 Presidential election, the Communists fielded a candidate against the SPD's choice, Wilhelm Marx, splitting the Left and Centre vote and helping Hindenburg secure victory.

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Weaknesses & mistakes of opponents

Arguments for Influence

• Without the division caused by the Communist candidacy, Hindenburg might not have won the election, potentially preventing Hitler's appointment as Chancellor.

Arguments Against Influence

• Even without the Left and Centre vote split, Hindenburg's election might still have occurred, and he could have appointed Hitler as Chancellor due to public pressure.

Conclusion

The weaknesses and mistakes of opponents, coupled with political divisions and the misuse of constitutional powers, created fertile ground for Hitler and the Nazi Party to rise to power in Germany during a turbulent period in history.