S8 Ep952: (7) Timothy Ryback describes how on January 28, 1933, the political crisis peaks as Kurt von Schleicher confronts Hindenburg, requesting martial law to stabilize the disintegrating Nazi threat. Hindenburg, increasingly stubborn and weary of Schleicher's m
On January 28, 1933, Germany stood at a breaking point: Chancellor Kurt von Schleicher, wielding dual power as both Minister of Defense and de facto head of government, demanded six months of martial law to stabilize the collapsing political order and restore democratic function. In a dramatic confrontation with President Paul von Hindenburg, Schleicher laid out three options—himself, Hitler, or the disgraced Franz von Papen—as the next chancellor. But Hindenburg, already weary and suspicious of Schleicher’s ambitions, rejected the proposal outright. What made the moment explosive wasn’t just the dismissal—it was that Schleicher had been publicly outed by a newspaper under his control, revealing his plan to install himself as chancellor. This betrayal, combined with Hindenburg’s deep-seated resistance to being manipulated, led to Schleicher’s firing. Yet the crisis didn’t end there: a military coup was being plotted by Schleicher and Reichswehr chief General Hammerstein, but Hindenburg rebuffed their intervention with a firm 'mind your own business.' In a stunning twist, Hindenburg then summoned General Blumberg—previously abroad—to replace Schleicher as Minister of Defense, effectively seizing full control of the government.
Schleicher requested six months of martial law on January 28, 1933, to stabilize Germany and restore democracy—proving he was trying to save the republic, not destroy it.
Hindenburg rejected Schleicher’s plan not because he favored Hitler, but because he saw Schleicher’s publicized power grab as a threat to his own authority.
A newspaper under Schleicher’s control leaked his three-chancellor options, making Hindenburg believe he was being manipulated—triggering his dismissal.
Hindenburg personally summoned General Blumberg from Geneva to become Minister of Defense, taking direct control of the military and government on the same day.
The failed coup plot by Schleicher and Hammerstein shows that military resistance to Hitler existed—and was rejected by Hindenburg, who refused to allow military intervention.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Night of the Power Play
“Schleicher, remember, he's Minister of Defense, or at least he believes he is. And he goes to Hindenburg to confront Hindenburg with his choices.”
Schleicher's Three Options
Schleicher presents Hindenburg with three potential chancellors: himself, Hitler, or Franz von Papen. He argues that only he can stabilize the Reichstag and restore democratic processes, but Hindenburg is unimpressed by the suggestion of a military-backed dictatorship.
The Leak That Broke Everything
“You know, Hindenburg, as I say, does not like to be told what to do. He sees this as a threat and he is irritated beyond all measures.”
The Coup That Wasn’t
“Hindenburg once again sees this as no one's going to tell Hindenburg what to do. And he basically tells Hammerstein to get back to the garrison and mind his own business.”
The Summoning of Blumberg
“Hindenburg says you're the new Minister of Defense. There isn't even a government at this point but is suddenly finds himself as Minister of Defense.”
“He arrives on an overnight train, he gets taken into Hindenburg's office and Hindenburg says you're the new Minister of Defense. There isn't even a government at this point but is suddenly finds himself as Minister of Defense and then well we know what follows after later that day.”
“Hindenburg once again sees this as no one's going to tell Hindenburg what to do. And he basically tells Hammerstein to get back to the garrison and mind his own business.”
“You know, Hindenburg, as I say, does not like to be told what to do. He sees this as a threat and he is irritated beyond all measures.”
Host
Guest
Paul von Hindenburg
person
Kurt von Schleicher
person
Weimar Republic
organization
Franz von Papen
person
General Hammerstein
person
General Blumberg
person
Reichswehr
organization
Treaty of Versailles
other
Wilhelm Strasse
place
Berlin
place
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