Setting up the Nazi dictatorship, 1933-34

• Hitler's position when he became Chancellor in January 1933


  • Weak
  • There were challenges he needed to overcome to establish Nazi dictatorship
• Challenges Hitler faced


  • Nazis lacked an overall majority in the Reichstag even though they were the largest party
  • The Nazis were outnumbered in the Cabinet by conservative nationalists
  • Franz von Papen was planning on controlling Hitler
  • President Hindenburg could remove Hitler as Chancellor at any time
  • The armed forces didn't trust the Nazis, they resented the SA and feared it may take over the army. Though, the army was still capable of removing Hitler by force
  • Strong opposition from the KPD and Social Democrats continued
• February 1933, Reichstag Fire:

  The Reichstag was set on fire by Marinus Van Der Lubbe, who was a communist and was arrested at the scene. Hitler used this and declared it as a communist uprising. This meant Hitler was granted Emergency Powers by Hindenburg and could; arrest 4000 communists, including leaders, ban political meetings, close newspapers and radio stations and search houses and lock up suspects with no trial.
• March 27th 1933, Enabling Act:

  This gave Hitler full power to pass laws without consulting the Reichstag. It was passed with support from the Centre Party and Nationalist Party. By July, Hitler had made decrees banning trade unions and all other political parties, leaving Germany a one-party state.
• June 1934, Night of Long Knives:

  Hitler ordered the arrest and murder of Ernst Rohm (SA leader) and other members of the SA. Rohm had wanted Hitler to introduce more socialist policies. He also removed Gregor Strasser, who was one of his main rivals within the NSDAP. This showed that Hitler would not tolerate any opposition within the party. It also led to Hitler gaining the trust of the Germany army.
• August 1934, Hitler as Furher:

  Hindenburg had died on 2 August 1934, so Hitler wanted to combine the roles of the President and Chancellor to have all the power. He sought approval of the German people and more than 90 per cent of voters agreed. Hitler became Fuhrer and the army had to swear an oath of loyalty to him. His position was now almost completely unassailable. (unable to be attacked, questioned or defeated)