Between 1924-28 Germany gained some stability and these were called the Weimar Republic's "Golden Years". Chancellor Gustav Stresemann called off passisve resistance to the French, and agreed to re-start reparations. The French therefore left the Ruhr. He was able to do this due to the Dewes plan which provided Germany with loans from America. Since things were getting better for the German people support for extremist parties fell away. This was only the case until October 1929 when the Wall Street Crash led to a World Depression which had a big impact on Germany. This begun in the United States, and spread to Europe because of the economic dependence she had upon the United States. The Great Depression created a vast amount of unemployment. By 1932 over 6 million Germans were made unemployed - nearly 30% of the workforce. Also, because the German economy relied on American loans, American stopped further loans and even demanded repayment of some. German banks collopsed and many businesses failed. Many people who had been ruined in 1923 suffered the same fate again. The failure of a succession of governments to deal with these problems led to more people turning against the Weimar Republic and support for Nazis and communists increased. The Nazis claimed to have all the answers thus raising their status. Mounting unemployment among industrial workers and lower middle-class clerks after 1928 brought new membersto the Nazi ranks. Disaffected university students, fearful that they would not find jobs upon graduation or would be displaced by Jewish professionals generated support for the NSDAP. And many first time voters were attracted to this radical protest party because it seemed to offer a different approach than the failed liberal or leftist parties.
However, apart from the economic problems, the Weimar Republic suffered from other problems. The German people became vulnerable to the appeal of the Nazis because of the weak Weimar Republic. It was imposed on the German people by Hindenburg and Ludendorf (who wanted to shift the blame for the loss of the war); it was born out of defeat. Therefore from the beginning, the government which came to power in 1918 lacked any "grass root support". This was shown by the impact of the Spartacus Revolt which alienated the left wing from the right forever and Kapp Putsch highlighted its lack of support as its own army supported it and there was a general strike in Berlin. The traumatic shock of defeat in World War One resulted in the army feeling as though they had been "stabbed in the back". The hated Treaty of Versailles made matters worse. The Weimar socialists and democrats were blamed for signing the dreadful treaty and the harsh terms were universally condemned by Germans.
The weaknesses in the Weimar constitution, mainly its election system, meant the governments could not agree on decisions sufficiently enough to solve Germany's problems at a time when Germany needed strong government. The proportional representation system used encouraged small parties. There was 13 coalitions between the years of 1919-1932. They were all weak and unstable. The frequent use of Article 48 by Hindenburg after 1938 to keep successor governments in office was regarded by many as undemocratic and encouraged Hitler perhaps to use the same tactics.
The Nazis used various methods to further their cause. Effective electioneering helped gain Hitler support. Businessmen who feared worker riots realised Hitler was a politician who would not hold up business. This then enabled Hitler to campaign more as he was funded by businessmen such as Hugenburg who gave Hitler access to planes to tour the country and newspaper coverage. Skilled Nazi propaganist Joseph Goebbels launched an intensive media campaign. He gave simple notions which let everyone know Hitlers basic programme. He also convinced the Germans that the Weimar politicians (calling them the "November Criminals"), Jews and communists were responsible for all Germanys problems.
"If you tell a lie, tell a big lie, and tell it often. People will believe it." - Joseph Goebbels
The party's programme was broad and general enough to appeal to all. They promised the people employment, a better standard of living, rearmament, anti-communism and lebensraum- a greater Germany. Also, like other right-wing groups, the party blamed the Treaty of Versialles and reparations for the developing crisis. Besides promising a solution to the economic crisis, the Nazis offered the German people a sense of national pride and the promise of restored order.
The Nazis also had the advantage of having a strong leader, Hitler. He was a determined person who was a powerful and charismatic speaker. So many German people admired him because of the magnetic appeal his speechs had. Therefore he attracted more supporters. Hitler told the people what they wanted to hear and they had poor alternatives so it was no surprise Germany was welcoming a father figure.
In 1932 Hindenburg found Bruning insufficient as Chancellor so named Franz Von Papen as his successor. After the 1932 elections that made the NSDAP Germany's largest party, Papen offered Hitler Vice Chancellor in a new cabinet but he refused this offer, demanding the chancelloership. In 1933 Papen put together a new cabinet, this time Hitler as Chancellor. Papen thought he could tame Hitler by tying him down with the responsibiltitesof government and transferring to himself his tremendous popularity.
"No danger at all. We've hired him for our act." - Franz Von Papen
But he proved no match for Hitler's ruthlessness and his genuis at knowing how and when to seize power. The burning of the Reichstag was fortunate for the Nazis. It allowed them to arrest Communist Mp's thus eliminating his oppositon. The enabling act therefore put Hitler into complete power of Germany. He had total dictatorial control over Germany within two months of becoming Chancellor.
Looking at all the conclusive facts and arguments, the conclusion that can be reached is that Hitler came to power due to a combination of many different factors. However, the backbone of Hitler's rise was based on the great economic instability of the time highlighted by the two crisis in 1923 and 1929, which enabled Hitler to exploit the situation. Then Hitlers policies appealed to everyone due to effective propaganda. Secondly, the problems with constitution (article 48) which undermined German democracy and the weakness of the Weimar Republic that was widely hated helped the Nazis. This was because of their lack of suppoert and weak constitution. However in the end it was only political intrigue in the right-wing that brought him into office.