How Adolf Hitler Came to Power – And Did He Ever Win an Election?
Adolf Hitler’s rise to power in Germany during the early 1930s is one of history’s most infamous turning points. His ascent was not the result of a single electoral victory, but rather a combination of political maneuvering, economic crisis, and the exploitation of democracy’s weaknesses.
Germany After World War I
After Germany’s defeat in World War I, the Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh penalties that fueled resentment. The new democratic Weimar Republic struggled with political instability, hyperinflation in the 1920s, and mass unemployment during the Great Depression. These crises undermined faith in democracy and opened the door for extremist movements.
The Rise of the Nazi Party
Hitler joined the German Workers’ Party in 1919, soon transforming it into the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NSDAP, or Nazi Party). The Nazis promised to restore national pride, rebuild the economy, and reject Versailles. Their propaganda, mass rallies, and paramilitary violence helped them gain attention and supporters.
Election Results in the Early 1930s
The Nazi Party grew rapidly but never won an outright majority:
- 1928: 2.6% of the vote
- 1930: 18% of the vote, second-largest party
- July 1932: 37% of the vote, largest party in parliament (Reichstag) but still without a majority
- Nov 1932: 33% of the vote, still the largest party
Hitler himself ran for president in 1932 against Paul von Hindenburg and lost. Hindenburg won re-election, while Hitler secured about 36% in the final round.
Appointment as Chancellor
Despite never winning a majority, the Nazis’ status as the largest party made them impossible to ignore. Conservative politicians believed they could control Hitler by bringing him into government. On January 30, 1933, President Hindenburg appointed Hitler as Chancellor.
From Chancellor to Dictator
Shortly afterward, events consolidated Hitler’s power:
- Reichstag Fire (Feb 1933): Used to suspend civil liberties and crack down on opponents.
- March 1933 election: Nazis won 44% of the vote—not a majority, but enough with allies to dominate.
- Enabling Act (March 1933): Gave Hitler the power to rule by decree, effectively ending democracy.
Within months, opposition parties were banned, and Hitler transformed Germany into a one-party dictatorship.
Conclusion
Adolf Hitler never personally won a majority election. The Nazi Party became the largest in parliament but never secured over 50% of the vote. His rise to power came not through direct democratic victory, but through political deals, the exploitation of crises, and the dismantling of democratic institutions once he was in office.
1. Germany after WWI
- After Germany’s defeat in World War I, the country became the Weimar Republic (a democracy created in 1919).
- The republic faced economic crises (hyperinflation in the 1920s, then the Great Depression starting in 1929).
- Many Germans lost faith in the democratic system, making extremist parties more attractive.
2. The Rise of the Nazi Party
- Hitler joined the small German Workers’ Party in 1919, later renamed the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NSDAP), or Nazis.
- They promised to restore German pride, rebuild the economy, and reject the Treaty of Versailles (which had punished Germany after WWI).
- The Nazis used propaganda, rallies, and paramilitary groups (SA “Brownshirts”) to gain visibility and intimidate opponents.
3. Election Results in the Early 1930s
- 1928: The Nazis were still minor, with only about 2.6% of the vote.
- 1930 (Reichstag elections): The Great Depression boosted Nazi support—they jumped to 18%, becoming the second-largest party.
- July 1932: Nazis became the largest party, with 37% of the vote and 230 seats (but still no majority).
- Nov 1932: Their support slipped a little to 33%, but they remained the largest party.
4. Appointment as Chancellor
- Despite being the largest party, Hitler couldn’t simply take power because he didn’t have majority support.
- Conservative politicians (like Franz von Papen) thought they could control Hitler by putting him in government.
- President Hindenburg disliked Hitler but, under pressure, appointed him Chancellor on 30 January 1933.
5. From Chancellor to Dictator
- Reichstag Fire (Feb 1933): Nazis blamed Communists, using it as a pretext to suspend civil liberties.
- March 1933 election: Nazis got 44% of the vote—not a majority, but enough with allies to dominate parliament.
- Enabling Act (March 1933): Passed with intimidation, it gave Hitler the power to rule by decree—ending democracy.
✅ So the key point:
- The Nazi Party won parliamentary elections (plurality, not majority).
- Hitler never won a personal majority vote.
- His actual rise to power came through backroom deals and then dismantling democracy.