Kurt von Schleicher, German general and politician, 23rd Chancellor of Germany (d. 1934)

Kurt Ferdinand Friedrich Hermann von Schleicher, whose surname is pronounced [kʊʁt fɔn ˈʃlaɪ̯çɐ] in German, was a pivotal figure in the tumultuous final years of Germany's Weimar Republic. Born on 7 April 1882 in Brandenburg an der Havel into a family with a strong military tradition, Schleicher rose through the ranks to become a distinguished German general. His career culminated in the significant, albeit brief, role as the last Chancellor of Germany before Adolf Hitler’s ascension to power. A formidable rival to Hitler for control of the nation, Schleicher's political maneuvering ultimately led to his tragic demise, as he was murdered by Hitler's SS during the infamous Night of the Long Knives in 1934.

Early Life and Military Ascendancy

Schleicher’s path was set from an early age by his family background. He entered the Prussian Army as a lieutenant in 1900, a period when Prussia still held significant influence within the German Empire. His talent for strategy and organization quickly became apparent, leading him to ascend to a coveted position as a General Staff officer in the Railway Department of the German General Staff. During World War I, he served diligently in the General Staff of the Supreme Army Command, gaining invaluable experience in high-level military planning and execution.

Following Germany's defeat in 1918 and the subsequent German Revolution, which saw the collapse of the monarchy and the birth of the fragile Weimar Republic, Schleicher played a crucial role. He served as a vital liaison between the traditional military establishment, the Army (Reichswehr), and the nascent democratic government during the turbulent years of 1918–1919. In the post-war era, he became an important player in the Reichswehr's covert efforts to circumvent the severe military restrictions imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles. His influence grew steadily, leading him to become the powerful head of the Reichswehr's Armed Forces Department. From 1926 onwards, his strategic acumen made him a close and trusted advisor to the revered President Paul von Hindenburg, a former field marshal whose support was indispensable in Weimar politics.

Political Orchestration and Ministerial Roles

Schleicher's political star continued to rise. When his mentor, Wilhelm Groener, was appointed Minister of Defence in 1928, Schleicher's position was further solidified. By 1929, he assumed control of the Defence Ministry's Office of Ministerial Affairs (Ministeramt), a crucial department that essentially served as the political arm of the Reichswehr, giving him immense behind-the-scenes power. His influence reached a peak in 1930 when he was instrumental in orchestrating the downfall of Hermann Müller's Social Democratic government. This pivotal moment led to the appointment of Heinrich Brüning as Chancellor, marking a significant shift towards more authoritarian, presidential governments during the Weimar Republic's twilight years. In a controversial move from 1931 onwards, Schleicher even enlisted the services of the Nazi Party's paramilitary wing, the Sturmabteilung (SA), attempting to use them as an auxiliary force for the Reichswehr, a decision that would have far-reaching and dangerous consequences.

Chancellor and the Struggle for Power

In 1932, Schleicher formally entered the cabinet of Franz von Papen as Minister of Defence. During this period, he was the prime mover behind the "Preußenschlag," a coup that effectively dissolved the Social Democratic government of Prussia, further eroding democratic institutions in Germany. However, the political landscape remained volatile, and Schleicher, ever the orchestrator, soon engineered Papen's downfall, successfully succeeding him as Chancellor on 3 December 1932.

Schleicher's brief term as Chancellor was marked by desperate attempts to stabilize a deeply fractured political system. He notably engaged in negotiations with Gregor Strasser, a prominent figure within the Nazi Party and a rival to Hitler, hoping to entice Strasser to defect and split the Nazi movement. This ambitious plan ultimately failed. In another strategy to "tame" Hitler and secure his cooperation, Schleicher threatened to form a broad anti-Nazi alliance of parties, a "Querfront" (or "cross-front"), aiming to isolate Hitler politically. Hitler, however, steadfastly refused to relinquish his claim to the chancellorship, and Schleicher's plan faltered. Faced with an unyielding political deadlock, Schleicher then proposed to President Hindenburg that the Reichstag be dissolved, allowing Hindenburg to rule as a de facto dictator. Hindenburg, perhaps wary of the constitutional implications or simply exhausted by the political turmoil, rejected this radical course of action.

Resignation and Tragic End

On 28 January 1933, overwhelmed by a persistent political impasse and deteriorating health, Kurt von Schleicher resigned from the chancellorship. In a decision that would forever alter the course of history, he recommended the appointment of Adolf Hitler as his successor. After his resignation, Schleicher did not entirely abandon his political ambitions. He sought to return to the political arena by attempting to exploit the growing divisions between Ernst Röhm, the head of the SA, and Hitler. However, these efforts proved futile and ultimately fatal. On 30 June 1934, during the Night of the Long Knives – a brutal purge orchestrated by Hitler to eliminate his political rivals and consolidate power – Kurt von Schleicher and his wife, Elisabeth, were murdered on Hitler's direct orders, bringing a violent end to the life of Germany's last chancellor before the Third Reich.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kurt von Schleicher

What was Kurt von Schleicher's primary role in the Weimar Republic?
Kurt von Schleicher served as a influential German general and, most notably, was the last Chancellor of Germany before Adolf Hitler took power, holding the position from December 1932 to January 1933. He was also a key behind-the-scenes political operator and a close advisor to President Paul von Hindenburg.
How did Schleicher rise to power?
Schleicher's rise was rooted in his military career and strategic acumen. He became a high-ranking officer in the Reichswehr, effectively acting as its political head through the Office of Ministerial Affairs. He leveraged this position and his close relationship with President Hindenburg to influence government formation and ultimately became Chancellor.
What was the "Preußenschlag"?
The "Preußenschlag" (Prussian coup) was an event in July 1932 where the German federal government, largely orchestrated by Schleicher, deposed the Social Democratic government of Prussia. This significantly weakened democratic institutions and centralized power in the federal government, paving the way for more authoritarian rule.
What was Schleicher's "Querfront" strategy?
The "Querfront" (cross-front) was a political strategy proposed by Schleicher during his chancellorship. He aimed to build a broad alliance of diverse political parties and interest groups – including elements from trade unions, the Reichswehr, and even moderate Nazis – to counter Hitler's rising power and stabilize the government. However, it failed to gain sufficient support.
Why did Schleicher resign as Chancellor?
Schleicher resigned on 28 January 1933 due to a political impasse. His efforts to form a stable government, either by negotiating with the Nazis or by securing emergency powers from President Hindenburg, had failed. Faced with a lack of parliamentary support and Hindenburg's refusal to grant him dictatorial powers, he saw no viable path forward.
How did Kurt von Schleicher die?
Kurt von Schleicher was murdered on 30 June 1934, along with his wife Elisabeth, during the Night of the Long Knives. This was a purge orchestrated by Adolf Hitler and his SS forces to eliminate perceived political enemies and rivals, including those within the Nazi Party and conservative figures like Schleicher.
What was Schleicher's relationship with Adolf Hitler?
Schleicher and Hitler were complex political rivals. Schleicher initially underestimated Hitler's ambition and tried to control or co-opt the Nazi Party, even briefly using the SA as an auxiliary force. However, Hitler refused to be manipulated. Despite their rivalry, Schleicher ironically recommended Hitler as his successor, believing he could be managed, a decision that proved catastrophic for Germany and ultimately for Schleicher himself.