Reichstag elections

© AdsD SPD election poster showing the enemies of democracy: monarchists, national socialists, communists

In spite of slight losses in the Reichstag elections on 6 November 1932, the NSDAP remains the strongest party when it receives 33.1 percent of the vote. Since all parties in the Reichstag, with the sole exception of the German National People’s Party (DNVP), persist in refusing to support the government of Franz von Papen since its appointment the previous June, the Chancellor finally submits his resignation to Reich President Paul von Hindenburg. Immediately following that, another discussion on forming a government with the participation of the National Socialists takes place between the Reich President and Adolf Hitler (NSDAP). In the event he is appointed Reich Chancellor, Hitler demands far-reaching powers (Enabling Act). Now as then, von Hindenburg is not prepared to do this. The Reich President intends to keep the reigns of German policy in his own hands.