The Creation of the Nazi Dictatorship

Hitler Consolidates Power

  • Hitler aimed to establish a dictatorship despite initial coalition government weakness.
  • He needed a majority in the Reichstag and the silencing of opposition.

Reichstag Elections and the Fire

  • January 31, 1933: Reichstag elections were announced.
  • February 1, 1933: Hindenburg dissolved the Reichstag for new elections in March.
  • February 27, 1933: The Reichstag fire was used to undermine communists; 4,000 members were arrested.
  • February 28, 1933: Decree for the Protection of the People and the State suspended civil freedoms and suppressed communists.

Election Results and the Enabling Act

  • March 5, 1933: Elections resulted in 43.9% of votes for Nazis despite high turnout (88.8%).
  • Hitler required a 2/3 majority to amend the constitution via the Enabling Act.
  • The Catholic Centre Party supported the Enabling Act in exchange for protections.
  • March 24, 1933: The Enabling Act passed (444 to 94), granting the government emergency powers for 4 years.
    • This act is described as the constitutional cornerstone of the 3rd Reich and a 'legal revolution.'

Gleichschaltung/Co-ordination

  • Gleichschaltung aimed to align German society with Nazi ideology.
  • Regional states were controlled through dissolving parliaments and appointing Reich Governors (Gauleiters).

Racial Persecution and Control of Organizations

  • April 1, 1933: Boycott of Jewish shops.
  • Laws excluded Jews from public life, professions, and citizenship between 1933-1938.
  • May 2, 1933: Trade unions were incorporated into the German Labour Front (DAF).
  • July 14, 1933: Law against the formation of new parties established a one-party state.

Concordat and Nazi Control

  • July 20, 1933: Concordat with the Vatican banned Church political activity in exchange for religious freedom.
  • Elections in November 1933 had Nazi candidates winning 92% of votes.

Night of the Long Knives

  • The army was the only group powerful enough to unseat Hitler.
  • June 30, 1934: The SS was used to crush the SA in the Night of the Long Knives.
  • Rohm's vision of merging the SA with the army alarmed conservative forces including big businesses and army.
  • Victims included von Schleicher, Gregor Strasser + von Kahr.

Significance of Night of the Long Knives

  • Marked a shift in Hitler’s dictatorship, taming radicals and gaining elite support.
  • Army generals supported Hitler after the SA's weakening and pledged loyalty.
  • August 1, 1934: Hitler became Head of State, merging President and Chancellor roles into 'Fuhrer.'
  • Hindenburg died on August 2.
  • Consolidation was a mix of legality and terror.