Establishment of a totalitarian state

Establishment of a Totalitarian State

The Nazis' ability to maintain their grip on power in Germany was facilitated by the establishment of a totalitarian state. Here are key factors related to this development:

Coalition Government

• When Adolf Hitler became Chancellor in January 1933, he initially headed a coalition government, requiring cooperation with other political factions. Hitler's strategic move was to persuade the President to call for a new election in March, aiming to secure greater control.

Reichstag Fire

• One week before the election, the Reichstag (German parliament) was mysteriously set ablaze, with Communists blamed for the fire. Hitler used this incident to claim it was the beginning of a Communist revolution, though doubts remain about the true culprits.

Reichstag Fire Decree

• Following the fire, President Hindenburg passed a law known as the Reichstag Fire Decree, which granted the government sweeping powers. This included the authority to arrest political opponents, censor and shut down newspapers, and read people's private letters.

SS and SA Become the Police

• Hitler officially designated the SA (Sturmabteilung) and the SS (Schutzstaffel), both notorious for their violence, as auxiliary police forces after the Reichstag fire.

Arguments for Influence

• The Reichstag Fire Decree consolidated Hitler's control by enabling the suppression of opposition, censorship of media, and the arrest of political adversaries. This allowed the Nazis to maintain a firm grip on power.

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Establishment of a totalitarian state

Arguments Against Influence

• Despite the measures taken, some opposition groups, such as the Social Democrats and Communists, continued to resist Nazi rule, operating underground and distributing anti-Nazi materials.

March 1933 Elections

• In the March 1933 elections, the Nazis secured 43.9% of the vote. Hitler sought to alter the German constitution to increase his authority, necessitating two-thirds support from the Reichstag.

The Enabling Act

• The Enabling Act was pivotal, as it granted Hitler the authority to pass laws with the approval of the Reichstag. On the day of the vote, when a two-thirds majority was required, Hitler had 26 SPD (Social Democratic Party) members arrested to ensure the act's passage.

Political Control

• Subsequently, Hitler banned the left-wing SPD, dissolved other political parties, and, in July 1933, passed a law designating the Nazis as the sole legal political party in Germany.

Employment and Legal Controls

• The Nazis exerted control over various aspects of society, banning trade unions, forcing anti-Nazis and Jews to resign from their jobs, and replacing anti-Nazi judges with Nazi sympathizers.

Religious Controls

• The Nazis were concerned about potential opposition from the German churches. They established the Reich Church to promote a Nazi interpretation of the Bible among Protestants. They also reached an agreement (concordat) with the Catholic Church, stipulating non-involvement in politics in exchange for maintaining control over schools and youth groups.

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Establishment of a totalitarian state

Conclusion

The establishment of a totalitarian state, characterized by political repression, censorship, and control over various aspects of society, played a crucial role in the Nazis' ability to retain power in Germany. This consolidation of authority allowed Hitler and the Nazi Party to effectively suppress opposition and maintain their rule.