„Prussian Coup“

© Brandenburg-Preußen Museum Otto Braun, social democrat and Premier Minister of Prussia

© AdsD In 1925 Otto Braun was a candidate in the presidential elections and achieved 29 per cent of votes

On 20 July 1932 Reich President Paul von Hindenburg takes a further step on the way to establishing a total „presidential dictatorship“ in Germany: By means of an emergency decree he deposes the legitimate Prussian government of Premier Otto Braun (SPD). In its stead he appoints Chancellor Franz von Papen as Reich Commissioner. Through the „Prussian Coup“ the SPD loses its last important government position in the Reich. At the same time federalism in Germany is dealt a severe blow: From now on the largest state in the Reich finds itself under the immediate political control of the Reich government.