Why did wealthy factory owners start supporting Hitler during his rise?

Wealthy factory owners supported Hitler primarily because he was staunchly anti-Communist and used violent tactics against labor movements and strikers. At the time, there was a significant fear among the business elite of a potential communist revolution in Germany, reminiscent of the Russian Revolution. By supporting Hitler and the Nazi Party, factory owners believed they were aligning themselves with a strong leader who would protect their interests, maintain order, and suppress leftist movements that threatened their businesses. This support was crucial for Hitler as he gained power, as he promised to restore stability and prevent any form of social unrest that could jeopardize the industrial and economic status quo.

The other options do not accurately represent the reasons for wealthy factory owners' support. For instance, nationalization of their businesses would threaten their wealth and control, and even though high tariffs on imports were a concern, they did not play as pivotal a role in the alignment with Hitler. His personal background as a businessman, while may have resonated with some, was not a primary driver for the industrialists' support.