The impact of president Hindenburg's death, August 1934

Hindenburg as the Final Constitutional Barrier

Why was Hindenburg the final constitutional limit on Hitler’s power?

As President he had the authority to dismiss the Chancellor and was Commander in Chief of the armed forces

Why was the army significant?

The army was loyal to Hindenburg not to Hitler meaning Hitler could theoretically be removed with military backing

What constitutional powers did Hindenburg hold?

He had the final say in constitutional matters and could legally intervene against Hitler

Why did Hindenburg distrust Hitler?

He personally despised Hitler viewing him as an ill mannered jumped up corporal and part of a noisy undisciplined rabble

Why did this barrier weaken by 1934?

By summer 1934 Hindenburg was 86 bedridden and dying of lung cancer

What alarmed Hindenburg before his death?

He was deeply concerned by the excesses of the SA and even considered handing power to the army and dismissing Hitler

Hitler’s Preparations and the Night of the Long Knives

Why did Hitler act before Hindenburg’s death?

He wanted to neutralise threats that could block his succession once the President died

What were the two main threats?

The radicalism of the SA and the army’s loyalty to Hindenburg

What did Hindenburg’s political will suggest?

It expressed a preference for a restoration of the monarchy

Who shared Hindenburg’s concerns?

Army commanders and Vice Chancellor Papen

What warning did Hitler receive from the army?

That unless the SA was brought under control he would not gain army support after Hindenburg’s death

What event resolved this pressure?

The launch of the Night of the Long Knives on June 30 1934

Why was Röhm’s elimination crucial?

It removed the SA threat and secured the loyalty of the army

What was the army’s response after the purge?

Army leaders had no further objection to Hitler succeeding Hindenburg as President

The Impact of Hindenburg’s Death

Why was August 1934 decisive?

Hindenburg’s death removed the last constitutional obstacle to Hitler’s power

What immediate action did Hitler take?

Within an hour of Hindenburg’s death on August 2 1934 it was announced that the offices of President and Chancellor would be merged

What positions did Hitler now hold?

He became both Head of State and Head of Government

What new title did Hitler assume?

Führer and Reich Chancellor

How was this change legitimised?

A plebiscite on August 19 1934 confirmed Hitler in his new position

What happened to the army oath?

On August 2 1934 the army swore a personal oath of allegiance to Hitler

Why was this oath significant?

It replaced loyalty to the constitution and chained the army directly to the Führer

Conclusion of Power Consolidation

Why was Hindenburg’s death the final stage?

It allowed Hitler to combine all political and military authority in his own hands

What had Hitler achieved by August 1934?

He had crushed internal party rivals destroyed conservative opposition and secured the loyalty of the army

Why could Hitler no longer be removed?

There was no legal or constitutional mechanism left to challenge his authority

How long did the consolidation take?

The Nazi dictatorship was fully established in little more than 18 months after Hitler became Chancellor