What was a major belief of President Hindenburg regarding Hitler upon his appointment as Chancellor?

President Hindenburg's belief that he could control Hitler played a significant role in his decision to appoint him as Chancellor in January 1933. Hindenburg underestimated Hitler's ambitions and the dangers posed by the Nazi Party, primarily viewing him as a volatile but ultimately manageable figure. This perspective stemmed from Hindenburg's own political background and his belief in traditional conservative values, which led him to think he could use Hitler to stabilize the government while keeping him within certain limits.

Hindenburg's confidence reflected a broader misconception among conservative elites that they could harness Hitler's popularity and the support of the Nazi Party for their ends, thereby maintaining power without allowing Hitler to significantly change the political structure. This miscalculation would later prove disastrous, as Hitler was able to consolidate power far beyond Hindenburg's expectations. The assumption that Hitler could be controlled ultimately contributed to the erosion of democracy in Germany and enabled the rise of a totalitarian regime.