1. The Significance of Hindenburg
Topic C – part 2

2. Significance in 1925 Elections
Background
Symbol of old military and Imperial order
Bulky, physically imposing
Wore military uniform and war service medals (even though victory at Tannenberg was lucky)
1925 Elections Results
First round – no clear winner
Second round – Hindenburg persuaded to run
He was reluctant
Won by clear margin

3. Election campaign – 2nd round

6. Significance in 1925 Elections
Impact of Hindenburg’s election in 1925
Right wing – symbol of restoration
Victor Klemperer – ‘as Hindenburg was sworn in, there were black-white-red flags everywhere. The Reich flag only on official buildings.’
Step away from Weimar democracy?
Rumours he asked ex-Kaiser Wilhelm for permission
Hindenburg in office
Stuck to constitution (surprise)
Became more impatient as time went on
Susceptible to influence of advisers (supported monarchy)
Used Presidential powers (as Ebert had)
By 1930s
Felt the only way out of crisis – conservative dicatatorship in his name
No faith in democratic institutions and no intention of defending them from enemies
Long run – disaster for Weimar and democracy

7. Significance in 1932 Elections
Hindenburg was 84
He did not want to go through election process so suggested he simply be appointed president again – Nazis objected in Reichstag
Nazis had massive gains in 1930 elections (12 to 107 seats) – society moved right. More right than Hindenburg
Hitler eventually decided to run
fearful of standing against nationalist icon – Hindenburg
Not German citizen – confirmed in February 1932
Right vs Left – Hitler (right) and Hindenburg (left)
Centre, liberals and SPD – Hindenburg
Why? – only man who could stop Hitler
Would keep Brüning in office (democratic)
SPD losing touch with reality – sidelined
Irony – 8 million votes to man who would dismantle republic, in an attempt to keep chancellor who was lowering living standards and destroying jobs

16. Significance in 1932 Elections
Nazi campaign
Goebbels – propaganda
Combat Hindenburg without insulting him
Time to step aside and allow younger man to stop drift into anarchy and chaos
Rallies, marches, parades, meetings, posters
Focus on Hitler as representing all of Germany – not just workers
2nd ballot – rented airplane – ‘flight over Germany’ – 46 speech
First ballot
Hitler – 30% only
Hindenburg – 49.6% (not overall majority)
Second ballot
Hitler – 37%
Hindenburg – 53% (all parties except Nazis and Communists)

18. Significance in 1932 Elections
Hindenburg reaction to result
Not satisfied
Brüning had not persuaded nationalists to support Hindenburg
Angry that he depended on votes from Social Democrats and Centre – looked like candidate on the left
Army impatient with Brüning and economic policies against arms
Brüning ban on brownshirts – army could not steal them