The Airship President
INTRO
Germany was saved with a heart attack. At least, that is what many in that country will tell you. The year was 1932. Germany was dealing with much political unrest, with far-right and far-left parties attempting to bring down the democratic structure of the Weimar Constitution from within. It was during this pivotal time in history that the President of Germany, Paul von Hindenburg, suffered a massive heart attack on January 12, 1932, that forever decided the course of world events. In the days immediately following this loss, Chancellor Heinrich Brüning (1885-1970) attempted to hold the country together until the Presidential election. The far-right was supporting Adolf Hitler (1889-1952) of the National Socialist German Workers Party (Nazis). The far-left supported Ernst Thälmann of the Communist Party. Many feared that Germany would be dominated by one totalitarian extreme or the other, with no hope for the survival of democracy.
Then, almost out of nowhere, a third candidate appeared on the scene, and would be the savior of not only Germany’s democracy, but the political stability of all Europe. On February 3, 1932, it was announced that Hugo Eckener, the world renowned airship pioneer and head of Luftschiffbau Zeppelin, would run for President, with the full backing of the Social Democrats, the Centre Party, and the German Democratic Party. Suddenly there was hope for the country’s fledgling democracy. For over a month, Eckener flew all over Germany in the Graf Zeppelin, campaigning for office. He promised to create new jobs by starting new building projects to improve the lives of every German. He promised to bring the Allies to the negotiating table to revise the Versailles Treaty to make if fairer for the German people. He promised to make Germany strong, without having to leave behind the great gift of democracy.
On March 13, Germans headed to the polls. Once the ballots were counted, "Eckener was declared the winner, with 52% of the vote, Hitler receiving 31%, and Thälmann receiving 17%. Eckener would be sworn in on March 31, and immediately set out to revive and strengthen his homeland.
- Liebermann, Dr. William. The Zeppelin President."Prologue: From Zeppelins to Politics.” Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2003
January 27, 1932- Today I was visited by members of the SDP and the Centre Party. They want me to run in the election to replace Hindenburg! I told them they were crazy! My work was the Zeppelins. I wanted nothing to do with politics. They insisted that even though I wanted nothing to do with politics, that politics might want something to do with me. One of the gentlemen from the SDP pointed out that it was known that I was ardently against the Nazis. He says to me “Dr. Eckener, what happens if, God forbid, Hitler were to be elected as president? Do you think he’d let you alone to tinker with your sky ships? Do you?” I didn’t answer directly. The man had a point, much as I hate to admit it. In the end, I told them I’d think about it and get back with them shortly. I really do not want to meddle with all that craziness in Berlin. I prefer the south. I prefer to stay where it’s peaceful. But maybe I need to put my country before my own needs. The thought of that madman becoming the leader of this nation is appalling.
January 28, 1932- I spoke with my family and close business associates at the Zeppelin Company today about the proposal from the SDP and the CP to run against Hitler. They all told me to go for it, that I would be a good thing for Germany. I don’t know that I agree, but I think I will follow their advice. I cannot stomach the thought of Adolf Hitler becoming President. It would spell disaster for us all I’m sure.
- From the personal diary of President Hugo Eckener “Personal Documents of President Eckener.” The Zeppelin Institute, Friedrichshafen.