How far do you agree that Hitler became Chancellor primarily due to political intrigue?

However, it could be argued that Hitler could have gotten into power anyway. Regardless of the fact that the Nazi party had dropped votes in the November 1932 elections, the Nazi party was the biggest party in the Reichstag with 230 seats and was very much the dominant political force in Germany. Goebbels’ propaganda was a powerful tool in establishing Hitler as the only man who could take Germany forward. Many people were still bitter about the outcome of World War One (including Hitler himself) and his image as a strong, independent leader appealed to all classes and social standings. The German public was becoming restless of the constant elections taking place and the Nazi party thrived on this by portraying the government as incompetent. Propaganda was tailored to class & creed and the power of mass suggestion was evident at the massive rallies the party held. The concept of Volksgemeinschaft was heavily promoted, as was the idea of German nationalism. The Nazi party was also no stranger to using violence to get its point across. The SA, led by Ernst Rohm, led a campaign of violence and disruption against communists and anti-Nazi’s. The (illegal) crackdown on the opposition was much-needed by the Nazi’s as street-level control was essential; ultimately, the control the Nazi Party had over the opposition was instrumental in Hitler becoming Chancellor because the already weak Communists were more or less totally frozen out. However, there was a small revolt led by high ranking SA officer Walther Stennes in 1931 who was opposed to the violent tactics employed by the party. Hitler defeated the revolt with a small purge, but already it was apparent that there were small cracks appearing in the strong armour of the Nazi party.

Ultimately, it is clear that political intrigue was the primary factor in Hitler becoming Chancellor. Although he had mass support across Germany, the current government was opposed to him and refused to hand him the power that came with the Chancellorship. Although this may have led to mass civil unrest and Hitler eventually becoming Chancellor, it is impossible to know. Von Papen’s idea of enabling article 48 and declaring Martial law may have also led to public anger and the rise of Hitler into power. It can be said that another reason for Schleicher’s actions, bar just being nervous about Von Papen’s capability as Chancellor, was so that he himself could seize power and align himself as a hero who brought about national reconciliation. Schleicher ultimately failed and this was favourably received by Von Papen, who convinced President Hindenburg to tell him to step down. Perhaps if Schleicher was successful in stabilising the country Hindenburg would not have listened to Von Papen but in reality the tables were turned and Von Papen had Schleicher removed from power. Hitler was brought into power by the apparently jealous & bitter Von Papen. Had Schleicher been successfully able to appoint Strasser as Vice Chancellor, perhaps the rift in the Nazi party may have gotten so large that the party folded. Hitler became Chancellor due to the mass support the Nazi party had and also due to the failings of Von Papen and Schleicher, but primarily it was because the political backhandedness and power-hungry deviousness of Von Papen.