Von Papen’s accession to power

When the cabinet of Franz von Papen takes the reigns of government on 2 June 1932, it is rejected by almost all parties in the Reichstag – with the sole exception of the German National People’s Party (DNVP). As his first official act, the Reich Chancellor dissolves parliament. Adolf Hitler then dangles his possible political support before von Papen on the condition that the April ban of the „Sturmabteilung“ (SA) and „Schutzstaffel“ (SS) be lifted again. Von Papen satisfies this demand on 12 June – however, the quid pro quo by the Nazis never occurs.

© W+D The temporary triangle: Von Hindenburg and von Papen (together)- „For He's a jolly good fellow, (Aside: „Confound him!“) And so say both of us!“ Caricature by the British group of artists Punch, 1933