8. The Final Negotiations and Hitler's Appointment. Tim Ryback discusses how on January 30, 1933, Hitler required the support of media magnate Alfred Hugenberg (40 seats) to achieve the coalition necessary for Hindenburg to appoint him Chancellor. Hugenberg, who sought to be Minister of Economics, desperately opposed Hitler's primary demand: holding new Reichstag elections. Hugenberg knew elections would cost him his vital seats. After holding out until the final moment in a dramatic crisis outside Hindenburg's office, he was cornered and reluctantly agreed. Hindenburg formally appointed Hitler Chancellor at 9:40 AM. Hugenberg subsequently noted he had made "the biggest mistake of his life." Within 18 months, key antagonists Schleicher, Strasser, and Röhm were murdered.
1933
Retry