This observation comes from reading Hitler’s Rise to Power (Gutenberg Galaxy) by historian Timothy Ryback. The book focuses on the period from April 1932 to January 1933, when Hitler was appointed Chancellor. Ten months of polarization, street clashes, and the collapse of traditional political parties led to the liquidation of the Weimar Republic.
In a short period of time, Hitler won 37 percent of the vote in the July parliamentary elections, failed in his attempt to be elected president, suffered a loss of 2 million votes in new elections in November, and, after a series of unexpected events, was appointed chancellor. Just three months earlier, President Hindenburg had declared that he would never place at the head of the government a National Socialist leader whom he considered a dangerous agitator.
A few weeks before his appointment, Hitler was depressed. He even considered suicide. November’s results reflected a sharp decline in public support for the National Socialist Party, with its number two, Gregor Strasser, abandoning the party and leaving it unable to repay its debts. His two adversaries, von Papen and Schleicher, conspired to remove him from power.
By a combination of fatal errors and coincidences, Hindenburg appointed Hitler chancellor on January 30, 1933, in the midst of a severe political and economic crisis. This decision determined the liquidation of the Weimar Republic and the seizure of power by the National Socialist leadership, which devoted all its resources to eliminating any vestiges of opposition. Socialist and communist leaders were removed or imprisoned. And his traveling companions became irrelevant.
The rise of Hitler and the end of Weimar took place in a context of strong social tensions, extreme polarization between right and left, and dissatisfaction with the harsh conditions of the Versailles Agreement and the deteriorating economy. Cracks appeared in the system, and a leader emerged who promised to restore the country’s greatness.
There are several elements that can be extrapolated from the situation in Germany in 1932 to Spain today. Tensions, lack of consensus among the major political parties, and delegitimization of the system encourage the emergence of extreme forces. Look to the past to avoid mistakes in the present. Weimar is a lesson.
About The Author
