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Franz von Papen, (born Oct. 29, 1879, Werl, Ger.—died May 2, 1969, Obersasbach, W.Ger.), German statesman and diplomat who played a leading role in dissolving the Weimar Republic and in helping Adolf Hitler to become German chancellor in 1933.

Nuremberg. Franz von Papen (1879–1969) was former Chancellor of Germany (1932), Ambassador to Austria (1934–1938), and Ambassador to Turkey (1939–1944). As Ambassador to Austria, von Papen paved the way for the Anschluss (the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany).

Three of the defendants were acquitted: Hjalmar Schacht, Franz von Papen, and Hans Fritzsche. Four were sentenced to terms of imprisonment ranging from 10 to 20 years: Karl Dönitz, Baldur von Schirach, Albert Speer, and Konstantin von Neurath. Three were sentenced to life imprisonment: Rudolf Hess, Walther Funk, and Erich Raeder.

The Marburg speech (German: Marburger Rede) was an address given by German Vice Chancellor Franz von Papen at the University of Marburg on 17 June 1934. It is said to be the last speech made publicly, and on a high level, in Germany against National Socialism .

Franz von Papen (1879-1969) was one of the conservative German politicians whose fear of social unrest and hostility toward the democratic Weimar Republic led them to support the rise of Hitler. Although never a believer in the more extreme doctrines of National Socialism , he helped prepare the way for the Third Reich .

Hindenburg appointed Franz Von Papen, a conservative, as his replacement. July – Reichstag elections. The Nazis became the largest party with 230 seats.