Q. Describe the sequence of events and factors which contributed to hitlers rise to power?
Answers
Hitler's Rise to Power
1932
Hitler becomes a German citizen—enabling him to stand in the Presidential election against Hindenburg.
Became the first person to electioneer by aircraft, the campaign (masterminded by Josef Goebbels) was entitled 'Hitler over Germany'.
January 1933
Hitler becomes chancellor of a coalition government, where the Nazis have a third of the seats in the Reichstag.
February 1933
The German Reichstag is destroyed by fire. The plot and execution is almost certainly due to the Nazis but they point the finger at the communists and trigger a General Election.
March 1933
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Adolf Hitler addressing the Reichstag on 23 March 1933, seeking assent to the Enabling Act. The Enabling Act passed—powers of legislation pass to Hitler’s cabinet for four years, making him virtual dictator.
He proclaims the Nazi Party is the only political party permitted in Germany. All other parties and trade unions are disbanded. Individual German states lose any autonomous powers, while Nazi officials become state governors.
April 1933
Communist party banned.
May 1933
Socialists, Trade Unions and strikes banned.
October 1933
Hitler withdraws from the League of Nations. In the following months, he trebles the size of the German Army and ignores the arms restrictions imposed by the Treaty of Versailles.
June 1934
Night of the Long Knives. Hitler crushes all opposition within his own party—thus eliminating any of his rivals.