Which of the following was the more important reason why Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany in 1933: • the economic weakness of the Weimar Republic • the political weakness of the Weimar Republic? Explain your answer with reference to both points.

After the First World War, Germany had been left in great industrial and economic crisis, which was caused by the physical disasters of the war, as well as the sanctions imposed to the German government by the Treaty of Versailles. These issues, over the course of the years leading up to 1933 caused hyperinflation and recession in Germany, with great levels of unemployment. The growing economic discontent was coupled with the unstable leadership of the government - due to its inability to solve the issues Germans were dealing with. At the same time the Nazi party was on the rise, becoming the largest party in the Reichstag after the election of 1932. At it forefront was its leader Adolf Hitler, who promised - among other things - to strengthened the government, repeal the sanctions imposed on the Germans after the War and create jobs. His appeal was enormous due to his perceived charisma, the solutions he was proposing as well as the methods of propaganda he was using. After a series of political events and two failed chancellors, Hitler was reluctantly appointed Chancellor by President Hindenburg in 1933. The economic weakness of the Weimar Republic was significant in the appointment of Hitler. The German people where looking for solutions that Hitler promised to have. However, without the political weakness of the Hindenburg Administration, Hitler may have not been appointed due to the preference of the President, who initially appointed Von Papen and subsequently Von Schleicher to lead the Government.