How did Hitler turn Germany from a democracy into a dictatorship (1933-1934)

How did Hitler turn Germany from a democracy into a dictatorship (1933-1934)

1. Hitler appointed Chancellor of Germany

   • Not very powerful
   • Hindenburg thought he could control Hitler
   • Appointed on 30th January 1933
   • President Hindenburg still verypowerful

2. Reichstag Fire

   • 27th February 1933
   • Blamed on Dutch Communist Marinus van der Lubbe
   • Hitler persuaded Hindenburg that the Communists were dangerous
     • Hindenburg passed Law for the Protection of People and the State and Communists were arrested
   • Event helps Hitler crush the Communists - many arrested

3. Elections - March 1933

   • Nazis - 288 seats
   • Social Democrats - 120 seats
   • Communists - 81 seats
   • Nationalists - 74 seats
   • Nationalist Party - 52 seats

4. Enabling Act

   • Law gave Hitler power to pass any law he wanted
   • Hitler had powers of a dictator
   • Passed with a 2/3 majority due to support from Nationalists, Catholic Centre Party and Communist being in prison

5. Getting rid of other opposition

   • January 1934 - banned State Parliamnets
   • May 1934 - all political parties except Nazis banned
   • Trade Unions replaced by German Labour Movement (DAF)

6. Night of the Long Knives - June 1934

   • SA were threatening Hitler's power - wanted to merge army and SA
   • Leader of SA was Ernst Rohm
   • SS used to kill SA leadership
   • Removed opposition from in own party

7. Death of President Hindenburg

   • Hindenburg died in August 1934 - natural causes
   • Hitler merges roles of Chancellor and President
     • Becomes Fuhrer
       • Leads to Cult of the Fuhrer
         • People worship Hitler - some old ladies ate gravel he walked on
         • Seen as saviour of Germany
         • Hitler's birthday is a national holiday. Adolf Hitler cakes
         • Pictures of Hitler displayed in every public building. No picture can be higher than his.
   • Army take an oath of allegiance to Hitler
   • Hitler now has complete control

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