Hitler's Consolidation of Power

This video examines how Hitler solidified his power from 1933 to 1934. Having become Chancellor in January 1933 with limited power, Hitler systematically worked to strengthen and centralize his authority. The video will explore five pivotal events: the Reichstag Fire, the March 1933 elections, the Enabling Act, the Night of Long Knives, and the death of President Hindenburg, illustrating his transition from Chancellor to both President and Chancellor.

In February 1933, the Reichstag building was set on fire. A Dutch communist, Marinus van der Lubbe, was arrested and executed. Hitler seized this opportunity to persuade President Hindenburg of a communist conspiracy, leading to the 'Decree for the Protection of People and State' on February 28th. This emergency decree suspended personal liberties, freedom of speech, press, and assembly, allowing Hitler to govern by decree and control political opposition for the next 12 years.

Hitler called for new elections in March 1933 to gain a majority in the Reichstag. He used his new powers from the Reichstag Fire to suppress political rivals, especially communists, raised funds from companies, deployed the SA to intimidate opponents, and even had SA guards present during voting. Although the Nazis gained seats, they didn't achieve a two-thirds majority. Hitler then banned communist representatives from taking their seats, securing the required majority to alter the German constitution.

On March 23, 1933, Hitler passed the Enabling Act with 444 votes to 94. This law allowed Hitler to enact new laws for four years without Reichstag or presidential consent, effectively ending the democratic Weimar Republic and establishing a totalitarian state. The act passed due to the absence of banned communists and the intimidation of other parties by the SA and SS.

Following the Enabling Act, Hitler further consolidated power. In May 1933, he banned all trade unions and strikes. By July 1933, the Nazi Party (NSDAP) became the only legal political party in Germany. In January 1934, Hitler brought all local governments under his direct control, appointing regional politicians and systematically integrating all state functions into his personal authority.

In June 1934, Hitler faced issues with Ernst Röhm, leader of the SA. Röhm advocated for more socialist policies and led a 3 million-strong SA, which concerned the German Army. Fearing Röhm's growing power and an army-fueled rumor of a challenge, Hitler purged the SA from June 30th. Over four days, 400 people were killed, including Röhm and former General von Schleicher. This cemented Hitler's control over the SA and secured the army's allegiance.

On August 2, 1934, President Hindenburg died at 87. Hitler immediately assumed all political power, declaring himself 'Führer' (leader) and forcing the army to swear an oath of allegiance to him personally. A public plebiscite showed over 90% of Germans voted for Hitler to become both president and chancellor. This marked the official end of the Weimar Republic and the beginning of Hitler's Third Reich, solidifying his supreme leadership.