Takeover

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From the internationally acclaimed author of Hitler's Private Library, this dramatic recounting explores the pivotal six months before Adolf Hitler rose to power, a time when the Nazi leader balanced on the edge of triumph and disaster. In the summer of 1932, the Weimar Republic faced imminent collapse, with one in three Germans unemployed and rampant violence. Hitler's National Socialists gained traction in the polls, while Paul von Hindenburg, an aging war hero and reluctant president, struggled to uphold the constitution. The November elections initially promised Hitler a Reichstag majority, but instead, the Nazis lost two million votes, leading to a crisis as membership dwindled and financial support evaporated. Amidst talk of suicide and declarations of his political demise, Hitler managed to become chancellor of Germany in a matter of weeks. Utilizing previously inaccessible archival materials, Timothy W. Ryback reveals the intricate story of how Hitler dismantled democracy through democratic means. He offers fresh insights into the complexities of Hitler's personal and professional life during this tumultuous period, highlighting backroom deals, unexpected alliances, and betrayals. Ultimately, Ryback clarifies why a weary Hindenburg, despite his disdain for Hitler, chose to appoint him chancellor in January 1933, marking the end of Germany's democracy.