Adolf Hitler Elected: What Happened
Adolf Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany on January 30, 1933, after the Nazi Party gained the largest share of seats in the Reichstag elections. He was not directly elected as head of state in a popular vote, but his rise followed a series of elections and backroom political negotiations.
Political and Economic Context
In the early 1930s, Germany faced severe economic instability, mass unemployment, and political fragmentation. The Nazi Party used these conditions to gain support, promising national renewal and strong leadership. By July 1932, the Nazis became the largest party in the Reichstag, setting the stage for Hitler's eventual appointment as Chancellor.
Historical Sources and Further Reading
Key documents and timelines are available through the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, which provides detailed records on the Nazi seizure of power and its early legislative steps. These sources help clarify the sequence of events surrounding Hitler's appointment and the consolidation of authority that followed.
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum – The Nazi Rise to Power
