The Political Landscape in Germany in 1932

Overview of the Nazi Party's Success

• 1932 Milestones for Nazis:
  • Hitler ran for president.
  • Nazi Party gained 37% of the Reichstag vote.
• Historical Context:
  • Pre-Wall Street Crash: Nazis had only 2.1% of the vote.
  • 1932: Seen as a major increase but not a majority.

Opposing Political Parties

Centrist and Other Political Parties

• DDP and DVP:
  • Collapsed during 1932.
  • Were more centrist parties.

Catholic Support and the Centre Party

• Centre Party:
  • Retained Catholic support.
  • Catholic support meant fewer Catholics voted for the Nazis.

Protestant Support for Nazis

• Majority of Nazi voters:
  • Mostly Protestants voted for the Nazis.

Left-Wing Parties

SPD and KPD

• Support Base:

  • SPD retained working-class support.
  • KPD had 360,000 members in 1932.

• Political Stance:

  • SPD: Relatively socialist.
  • KPD: Definitely socialist and far-left.

• Cooperation Challenges:

  • Despite similar ideals, SPD and KPD did not cooperate.
  • KPD opposed SPD due to differing views on revolution.

Communism and Revolution

• KPD Views:
  • Believed in a workers' revolution against the state.
  • Aimed to end Weimar Germany and establish a communist state.

November 1932 Elections

Political Developments

• Von Papen's Role:
  • Called for new elections after a no-confidence vote.
  • Elections were becoming frequent.

Election Results

• Nazi Party Performance:

  • Only gained 33% of the vote, losing 4%.
  • In a proportional representation system, this was significant.

• Impact on Nazi Party:

  • Still a large party but with decreased size and popularity.
  • Seen as a setback for the Nazis.

Conclusion

• The inability of SPD and KPD to unite against the Nazis allowed the latter to continue gaining power.
• The main political landscape in 1932 was dominated by the NSDAP, SPD, and KPD.
• Center Party and other centrist parties began to collapse, leading to further political polarization.