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Abstract

This footage from a British newsreel that aired on February 2, 1933, captures Hitler with his new cabinet. For the occasion of the official photo session, Hitler shed his brown uniform in favor of the more respectable suit and tie. Few political watchers felt Hitler would be a long-lasting or successful chancellor, following as he did in the wake of two troubled and short-lived chancellorships. By surrounding Hitler with members of the more traditionally conservative German National People’s Party (DNVP), President Hindenburg and other “mainstream” politicians hoped to box Hitler in and keep him from embarking on his more radical revolutionary program. A few days after Hitler’s appointment, The New York Times wrote, “It is plain that Hindenburg has not rallied to Hitler. The Hitler Cabinet is generally regarded as an ingenious device whereby Hindenburg’s men can keep an eye—and hand—on the Nazi chieftain. Hitler is regarded as a prisoner of von Papen, Hugenberg, and ‘the Generals.’” Soon enough, the DNVP would dissolve itself and such predictions about Hitler’s incapacity to govern would be proved tragically wrong.

Hitler Becomes Chancellor (February 2, 1933)

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/Adolf Hitler, the indomitable Nazi leader, is now chancellor of Germany. Inspired by his terrific driving force, the Nazi movement he created in 1920 has grown into a mighty army. And this unflinching patriot, whose burning zeal fires the imagination of his countrymen, wields authority over thirty million followers.

/Conspicuous among former ministers, who will now serve under him, is Herr von Papen. This ex-chancellor, a typical representative of Prussian aristocracy, now takes office as vice chancellor:

“Germany’s fate is the fate of the world; Germany’s distress is the distress of the world. The prosperity of individual nations is the prosperity of all.”

/An excited crowd gathers outside the presidential palace upon learning that Hindenburg has sent for Hitler to form a government. The grizzled old president faces the crisis with firm courage:

“In erster Linie dem Gedächtnis derer, die für die Befreiung der Heimat gefallen sind.“ / [“First and foremost in memory of those who fell for the liberation of the homeland.”]

/Rumor spreads that Hitler accepts the president’s invitation.

/Enheartened by his full throttled welcome, Hitler returns to his headquarters to form his cabinet.

/The new chancellor loses no time in assembling his colleagues, warmly greeting von Papen. And so Adolf Hitler, the one-time laborer, becomes chancellor – facing the gigantic task of guiding Germany back to a peaceful prosperity.

Source: screenocean/ British Paramount Newsreel (Reuters)