German National People's Party (DNVP)

The German National People's Party (DNVP) was formed in 1919. Mainly funded by the wealthy industrialist, Hugo Stinnes, this right-wing party opposed the Versailles Treaty, supported the restoration of the monarchy and was critical of the power of the trade unions. Led by the wealthy newspaper magnate, Alfred Hugenberg, the DNVP won 66 seats in the Reichstag in the 1920 General Election. This grew to 103 in December, 1924.

The DNVP campaigned against the Locarno Treaty and the Young Plan. However, by 1930 the more extreme Nazi Party became the country's leading right-wing party and by 1933 they only has 52 seats.

When Adolf Hitler became chancellor in January 1933 he invited the DNVP to join his coalition government and Alfred Hugenberg became Minister of Agriculture and Economics. On 23rd March, 1933, all members of the DNVP in the Reichstag voted for the Enabling Bill which gave Hitler dictatorial powers.

In June, 1933, Hitler dissolved the DNVP and forced its leader, Alfred Hugenberg, from the government.