How Hitler became chancellor

Hitler did not win an election to become chancellor; President Hindenburg appointed him on 30 January 1933 after a deal with conservatives.

In July 1932, the Nazis became the largest party in the Reichstag. But largest did not mean a majority. They had more seats than any other party, but fewer than half of all seats. Their vote fell in the November 1932 election, though they stayed the largest party. Earlier in 1932, Hitler had also lost the presidential election to Paul von Hindenburg.

Governments could not win enough support in parliament. Franz von Papen, a former chancellor, and other conservatives made a plan. They would use Hitler's large following to strengthen a government they expected to control. Most ministers in the cabinet, the group of senior ministers, would not be Nazis.

Hindenburg agreed to appoint Hitler chancellor on 30 January 1933. Nazi popularity made Hitler useful to Papen, but it was the conservatives' deal and Hindenburg's decision that actually put him in office. They badly underestimated how quickly he would remove the limits they thought would hold him back.

Becoming chancellor was the start of a further struggle for power. In government, the Nazis could use state money and police powers against their opponents. Becoming chancellor and becoming dictator were linked, but they were two different steps.

July 1932

Nazis become the largest party, but without a majority.

Franz von Papen

Conservative who thought he could control Hitler.

30 January 1933

Hindenburg appoints Hitler chancellor.