The Hitler State The Consolidation of Power Hitler as Chancellor January 30, 1933 -Chancellor seat is vacant. Hitler is appointed chancellor and promises President Hindenburg to maintain the constitution that is in place. Hitler as Chancellor • January 30, 1933 Hitler is named Chancellor by Hindenburg • Franz von Papen is Vice Chancellor • Two Important Positions in Cabinet given to Nazis – Minister of Interior for both Germany and Prussia – Others given to more “reliable” conservatives • New Elections to take place March 5. 1 The Reichstag Fire • February 27, 1933 • Hitler blamed the act on the Communists. • The Nazis begin to attack political enemies as a result of this event. • Decree for the Protection of People and State Reichstag Fire Decree “It will be my chief objective to expunge the pestilence of Communism, and all along the line, we are moving on the attack.” March 2 The Enabling Act • Hitler first mentions it when he is sworn in on March 21. • March 27, 1933 • Law for the Removal of the Distress of People and Reich • Passed 444-94 – Only Social Democrats voted against it – Communists had already been rounded up – Members of Reichstag were intimidated and threatened by SA and SS • Allowed for the creation of a totalitarian regime 2 Gleichschaltung • “Coordination” of the Nazi state • Josef Goebbels was in charge of Propaganda • Attacked Trade Unions, Education, Catholic Church, etc. Two Problems • Army • President Paul von Hindenburg 3 Night of Long Knives • June 1934 • Hitler eliminates all enemies of the Nazi Party – SA vs. Army • Hitler kills Ernst Rohm – Other SA Leaders Killed – In all, at least 55 killed The Fuhrer • August 2, 1934 Hindenburg dies, leaving a power vacuum • Hitler assumes both the Chancellorship and Presidency • The Army swears allegiance to Hitler Question to Consider • What outside factors led to the rise of Hitler as a totalitarian dictator? 4.