Nazi Germany

The army now repaid its debt to Hitler by the elimination of the SA threat.The Defence Minister, Blomberg promised Hitler an oath of lyalty from the army generals.This became the law on the 20th of August 1934- All public officials and soldiers had to take an oath of loyalty and allegiance to Hitler.

This gave the government sweeping powers to suspend civil liberties and freedoms that had been gaurenteed by the Weimar Constitution. This removed the rights of personal liberty, on the right of free expression of opinion, including:

• freedom of the press
• the right of assembly and association
• violations of the privacy postal,telegraphic and telephonic communications
• Warrants for house-searches.