Nazi Germany: How did Hitler effectively consolidate power?

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Nazi Germany: How did Hitler effectively consolidate power?

The Reichstag Election, March 5th

Within 24 hours of his appointment, elections had been called. The campaign was held accordingly to the Weimar consistution. There was terror invoked by the communists and socialists that the Nazis had to break up. In Prussia, Goring used his authority to enrol 50,000 into the police (members mainly from SA and **), 69 people died in the street fights. The Nazis also used the atmosphere to their advantage, Hitler set the tone in his, 'Appeal to the German people'. Blamed the poor prevailing economic conditions and terriorist activities of the communists and cultivated the government as a peaceful 'national uprising'.

Another factor to mention, was on 21st February, Hitler met with 20 key industralists where he was promised 3 million Reichmarks. Now he had finanical backing.

The Reichstag Fire

On 27th February, the building was set on fire by Dutch communist, Marinus van der Lubbe. This has been believed by many historians that this was Nazi plot to gain more status. However, in 1962 a major investigation concluded that the suspect had acted alone; there had been already three attempted arosons in a few weeks. On 28th Feb, Frick drew up, and Hitler signed the, 'Decree for the Protection of People and State.' Most civil and political liberties were suspended and power of central governments was strenghted. They could censor the post, private houses were searched and they could dismiss lander goverments if they refused to carry out the procotols.

The Election Results

A high turnout of 88%. The Nazis increased their vote from 33.1% to 43.9%, thereby securing 288 seats. However, the Nazis could only claim a majority with the 52 seats won by the Nationalists. A political blow.

Hitler was also facing a problem of controlling members within the lower ranks who were impatiently taking the law into their own hands, giving the impression of a 'revolution from below'. This threatened Hitler's image of legality.

The Enabling Act

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