How did Hitler after becoming Chancellor Try to Consolidate Nazi Power?

How did Hitler after becoming Chancellor Try to Consolidate Nazi Power?

After being appointed Chancellor in Jan, 1933; Hitler tried to consolidate Nazi power by destroying democracy by capturing all legal authority to rule, crushing political opposition, and eliminating all rivals within the party.

(i) To capture legal authority, Hitler used the Reichstag fire to further his aim. He blamed the communists for sabotage, and took the opportunity to clamp down on them. ,

(ii) The fire enabled Hitler to use the Fire Decree to his advantage. It enabled him to indefinitely suspend Civic rights like freedom of speech, press and assembly and eliminate key communists leaders many of whom were exiled or packed to concentration camps.

(iii) In March 1933, the Enabling Act transferred all powers from the Reichstag to the government headed by Hitler.

(iv) Hitler outlawed all political parties, banned Trade Unions by July 1933. The Nazis were the only legitimate party.

(v) Nazi Germany became one party, one man rule as state established complete control over economy, army, education, judiciary and media.

(vi) People were forced to swear their personal loyalty to Hitler and Nazi salute became a compulsory means of greeting.

(vii) Germany became a police state. A system of spying on the common man was introduced. Special surveillance and security forces like Gestapo were created and vested with extra constitutional powers and power to rule with impunity.

(viii) Through conspiracy and false accusations many potential rivals within the Nazi party were eliminated (e.g., Roehm (June 1934) and key SA leaders). After President Von Hindenburg’s death in July 1934, Hitler assumed offices of both the President and Chancellor-thus was established the one party, one man dictatorship of Hitler.