Hitler's Rise To Power Essay

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Hitler’s rise to power was cemented on August 2nd, 1934 with the death of Hindenburg. Already holding the title of Chancellor, he took over the presidency and became the Führer of Germany. Hitler’s success was only possible because of many issues within Germany. The Great Depression, sparked by the withdrawal of loans by America, led to desperation in people wanting to avoid the economic and social hardship seen during the Hyperinflation of 1923. The political system was on rocky ground within Germany and the Weimar Government, only founded after WWI was only relatively new and still very fragile. Hitler knew how to exploit the weaknesses of his opponents and the Government, while also using violence to obtain votes. His strong, charismatic personality allowed him to sway the German public with his fascist ideology. Hitler
On 30 January, 1933 Hitler was appointed Chancellor by a reluctant Hindenburg believing, naively he could control him. On February 7, 1933, the Reichstag was set on fire, and believing they were under threat, Hindenburg issued the Decree for the Protection of People and State, suspending the civil liberties of Germans . In March 1933 elections were held yet again and Hitler secured 43.9% of the vote after a campaign marked by violence . On 24 March, 1933 Hitler managed to pass The Enabling Act giving him power above the Reichstag for 4 years . In June, 1934 on the Night of the Long Knives, Hitler had the head of the SA, Ernst Röhm and other SA members killed, eliminating them as a threat to the army . By gaining support of the army and with Hindenburg’s death on August 2nd, 1934 Hitler ascended to total power, and became known as the Führer. Hitler’s rise to power was largely contributed to by Hitler’s exploitation of the weakness of his opponents and terror tactics employed by the Nazi

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