Alfred Hugenberg DNVP chairman

Deutsches Historisches Museum, Berlin Alfred Hugenberg

On 20 October 1928 publisher Alfred Hugenberg, head of the publishing company which bears his name, is elected chairman of the German National People’s Party (DNVP). The press magnate, who exercises a powerful influence on the right-wing press mainly through the news services under his control, is a fierce opponent of the parliamentarian-democratic republic. Through his subsequent pact with the national socialists, he will contribute considerably to smoothing Adolf Hitler’s path to power.