Establishment of Nazi Dictatorship, 1933-34
Summary
When Hitler first became Chancellor, he wanted to establish a dictatorship. He achieved this between the beginning of 1933 and August 1934, when he removed all opposition to the Nazi Party. He even destroyed the SA because they were considered a threat to the party. He appointed Nazi ministers to all governmental roles in Germany, to ensure he had control of all aspects of the country. Finally, when President Hindenburg died, Hitler had achieved total control and became Fuhrer.
The Events
The Reichstag Fire
- After becoming Chancellor, Hitler called an election so that he could increase Nazi seats in the Reichstag.
- On the 27th of February, the Reichstag building was burnt down. Within the building a communist called 'Van Der Lubbe' was found inside with matches. (Some believe he was planted here by the Nazis).
- This event, gave Hitler an excuse to pass emergency laws, which were to 'protect' Germany from Communists. He also took this as a chance to arrest many of his Communist opponents and banning them from running in the March election.
The Enabling Act
The Nazis had done well in the March election, however they only won 44% of the seats. They then teamed up with the Nationalist party. This did give them the majority, however it was still not enough to change the Constitution of the German Republic (66%).
As a result, Hitler then used the SA to threaten and bully other parties and force them to vote for his new law, the 'Enabling Act'. The Enabling Act gave Hitler complete power to make laws for 4 years without consulting anyone, be it the Reichstag of the President. The Wiemar Constitution had been destroyed.
Removal of Opposition
With his recently gained powers from the Enabling Act, Hitler then removed any opposition to the Nazi party.
- April: They took over the local-government and the police. They started to replace teachers and University professors who were anti-Nazi, and replaced them. Furthermore, the set up the secret police called the Gestapo, they encouraged people to report on opponents of Nazism and 'grumblers' Anyone who did a 'crime' against the Nazis were sent to concentration camps. These crimes were such things as writing anti-Nazi graffiti or even just having a book that was banned.
- May: Trade unions were abolished and Hitler set-up the German Labour Front. This banned a worker's right to strike, and meant they got paid less.
- July: Hitler banned all other parties.
- Political opponents were arrested, and Nazi supporters were put into important positions such as Judges.
Night of the Long Knives
The SA was run by Ernst Roehm. Hitler, basically, felt that he was getting too much power and was becoming a threat to him. For example, they wanted more communist-type of policies put in and things to be more socialist. However, Hitler knew these would affect big businesses, and he needed the support of big businesses. Furthermore, they wanted control of Germany's army. Yet Hitler wanted and needed the army's support and did not want it to be used against him.
As a result, on the 30th of June, Hitler ordered the murder of many SA leaders. Including Roehm. Also, he killed the former Chancellor von Schleicher.
Death of Hindenburg
On August the 2nd, President Hindenburg died, and Hitler declared himself the new President, and took the title of 'Fuhrer'. The army took a personal oath of loyalty to Hitler, and promised to serve him. Hitler now had complete control.
Key Dates
1933
January: Hitler becomes Chancellor
February: Reichstag Fire
March: Election gave Hitler control of Reichstag & Enabling Act
May: Trade Unions abolished.
July: All political parties banned.
1934
June: Night of Long Knives eliminates the SA.
August: Hindenburg dies and Hitler becomes Fuhrer.
