How Did Hitler Come to Power Despite Low Support?

Despite receiving less than 44% support from the German people in any free election, Adolf Hitler managed to come into power. This article explores the strategies and events that led to Hitler's rise to Chancellor and the eventual establishment of a totalitarian regime.

The Pre-Election Landscape

Before Hitler's rise, the Nazi party had only seen support around 30% in the early days. However, this increased to 33% in the very last free election before Hitler's ascension. The peak came at 43.9% when the Nazi party was in power, primarily due to their effective use of radio propaganda. Yet, these percentages do not reflect the majority support required for a stable government, as a functional coalition was rare due to the divided support among several parties, including the Communists, Socialists, centrists, and other far-right groups.

The Role of the President

The President of the time, Paul Hindenburg, was a figure of prestige but lacked the vigor to challenge Hitler. Hindenburg, who was 86 years old and possibly close to senile dementia, was persuaded to appoint Hitler as the Chancellor. This effectively ended any legitimate attempt to form a government without Hitler, as the majority of the Reichstag supported the Nazi party or were co-opted through various means.

Hitler's Strategic Maneuvering

Hitler formed a coalition with other conservative parties, such as those led by Franz von Papen. These parties and the wealthy industrialists who supported them, along with the military, initially believed they could control Hitler. However, Hitler outsmarted them by staging the Reichstag fire and obtaining emergency dictatorial powers. This allowed him to ban other parties, arrest and eliminate political opponents, and solidify his power. Papen and others quickly realized they were powerless against Hitler's rising authority.

The Impact of Propaganda and Policies

Hitler's propaganda machine played a crucial role in shaping public opinion. The reclamation of the Rhineland, the Anschluss with Austria, and the Munich agreement were presented as victories that restored national pride. Opinion polls by the Nazi party and the Gestapo showed increasing support as Hitler's policies seemed to restore economic stability and military pride.

Manipulation of Public Opinion

The Nazi Party created an extensive network of informants, neighborhood leaders, and gauleiters, instilling a pervasive fear among the German population. This fear made it difficult for anyone to dissent openly, as opposition was quickly silenced or sanctioned through concentration camps and political purges. The economic policies, such as rearmament and the building of the autobahns, also contributed to a temporary decrease in unemployment and an increase in Nazi popularity.

Conclusion

While Hitler never received the overwhelming support required for a democratic government, his strategic use of propaganda, manipulation of political systems, and effective economic policies led to a situation where the majority supported his regime. Understanding this history is crucial for comprehending the complexities of how a leader with minimal popular support can come to dominate a nation, and the far-reaching consequences of such changes.