The late 1920s and early 1930s in Germany were marked by significant political turmoil, a period that crucially facilitated the ascent of the Nazi Party. This article explores how the shifting political landscape, from the initial optimism of the ‘Grand Coalition’ in 1928 to the appointment of Hitler as Chancellor in 1933, created fertile ground for the Nazis’ consolidation of power, a movement visibly represented by the Sa Uniform.
The Fragile ‘Grand Coalition’ (1928-1930)
In June 1928, Chancellor Hermann Müller formed the ‘grand coalition,’ a government intended to unify Germany by bringing together the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the German Democratic Party (DDP), the German People’s Party (DVP), and the Centre Party. This broad coalition commanded a strong majority in the Reichstag, holding 301 out of 491 seats. There was an initial sense of hope that political factions could overcome their differences for the benefit of the nation.
However, this unity proved to be short-lived. Deep policy disagreements emerged between the coalition partners, hindering Müller’s ability to enact legislation effectively. The onset of the Wall Street Crash and the subsequent economic depression in Germany exacerbated these tensions. As unemployment soared, the government’s budget came under immense strain, particularly due to the escalating costs of unemployment benefits. The coalition fractured over how to address this economic crisis, specifically regarding the future of unemployment support. When Müller requested President Hindenburg to invoke Article 48 to bypass parliamentary deadlock and enforce stability, his request was denied.
President Hindenburg, a conservative figure with right-leaning political views, was inherently distrustful of the left-leaning SPD’s influence in the government. His refusal to grant Müller’s request led to Müller’s resignation on March 27, 1930, marking the collapse of the ‘Grand Coalition’ and the beginning of a more unstable political era.
Brüning’s Era of Decrees (1930-1932)
Heinrich Brüning succeeded Müller as Chancellor. Despite lacking a Reichstag majority, Brüning had the confidence of President Hindenburg. Crucially, Brüning increasingly governed through Article 48, relying on presidential decrees to bypass parliamentary processes. This approach, while intended to provide stability, set a dangerous precedent, eroding the foundations of parliamentary democracy in the Weimar Republic and shifting power towards the presidency.
The economic crisis deepened throughout 1931, and Brüning’s government struggled to manage the escalating problems. As economic hardship intensified, extremist ideologies gained traction as desperate citizens sought radical solutions to their problems. The sa uniform, symbolising the Nazi party’s paramilitary wing, became increasingly visible on the streets, projecting an image of order and strength amidst the chaos.
In 1932, disagreements over unemployment provisions further strained the relationship between Brüning and Hindenburg. Hindenburg, yielding to pressure from conservative and military circles, demanded Brüning’s resignation, effectively ending his chancellorship.
The Brief Chancellorships of von Papen and von Schleicher (1932-1933)
Following Brüning’s departure, Franz von Papen was appointed Chancellor. Von Papen, aligned with the conservative elite, believed that an authoritarian leadership was necessary to stabilize Germany. He called for new elections in July and then again in November 1932, hoping to bolster the political right against the rising tide of communism and socialism.
While the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and other left-leaning parties did lose votes, the Nazi Party, despite remaining the largest party, also saw a decrease in their vote share in the November election. Conversely, the Communist Party gained seats, further fragmenting the political landscape. No single party secured a majority, rendering the elections ineffective in resolving the political deadlock. Von Papen’s strategy failed to produce a stable government.
Following von Papen’s unsuccessful tenure, Adolf Hitler was offered the chancellorship, but with the crucial condition that he would not be granted the power to rule by presidential decree. Hitler refused this offer, holding out for greater authority. Kurt von Schleicher then became Chancellor.
However, von Schleicher faced the same fundamental problem: a lack of majority support in the Reichstag. President Hindenburg also refused to grant von Schleicher the power to govern by decree. Facing insurmountable political obstacles and lacking presidential backing, von Schleicher’s chancellorship lasted only a month. This rapid succession of failed governments underscored the deep political instability of the Weimar Republic. Ultimately, in January 1933, in a climate of political desperation and backroom deals, Hitler was appointed Chancellor, marking a turning point that paved the way for the Nazi dictatorship. The sa uniform, a symbol of Nazi power and intimidation, would soon become a ubiquitous and feared sight across Germany as the party consolidated its grip on the nation.
