Why did Franz von Papen call Reichstag elections in July and November 1932?

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Franz von Papen called for Reichstag elections in July and November 1932 primarily because his government lacked a political base and a working majority in parliament.12

  • July 1932 Election: After being appointed chancellor by President Paul von Hindenburg in June 1932, Papen led a nonparty cabinet—the so-called cabinet of barons—that had no support in the Reichstag. He called for elections in July 1932 in a desperate attempt to secure a parliamentary foundation for his administration.13
  • November 1932 Election: Following the July elections, the Nazi Party emerged as the largest force in the Reichstag and subsequently passed an overwhelming vote of no confidence against Papen in September. Papen responded by dissolving the chamber and calling for new elections in November 1932, hoping to finally gain the necessary parliamentary backing to sustain his government.13

Both attempts failed to provide Papen with the support he sought, ultimately contributing to the political instability that led to his resignation in December 1932.13