Lecture notes
Consolidation of Nazi dictatorship
These are notes about the consolidation of the Nazi dictatorship
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7. Creation of Nazi dictatorship 1933-34The legal revolution
Papen: “In 2 months we’ll have pushed Hitler into a corner so hard that he’ll be squeaking”
At 1st sight confidence of conservatives justified as Nazi position was weak in purely
constitutional terms
Only 2 other Nazis in cabinet of 12- Frick as Minister of Interior and Goering as a Minister
without portfolio- 9 other non-Nazi members of cabinet all from conservative-nationalist
backgrounds e.g. army, industry and landowners
Hitler’s coalition gov did not have majority in R.T which suggested it would be difficult for
Nazis to introduce any dramatic legislation
Had be shown that chancellor’s post was dependant on whim of President Hindenburg who
openly resented Hindenburg
Hitler was aware of potential power of trade unions and army and he could not alienate
these forces which could break his government
Army could arrange military coup while trade unions could organise a general strike
- HITLER’S STRENGTHS
Power was to be achieved through continuation of policy of legality
Hitler already possessed several key strengths when he became chancellor
Leader of largest political party in Germany which was why the policy of ignoring him had
not worked. Political realism forced the conservatives to work with him. To many people at
the time it seemed that the alternative to Hitler was civil war or a Communist coup
The Nazi Party had now gained access to the resources of the state e.g. Goring was Minister
of the Interior in Prussia with responsibility for the police
It was a responsibility that he used blatantly to harass opponents while ignoring Nazi crimes
Goebbels likewise exploited the propaganda opportunities on behalf of the Nazis, “The
struggle is a light one now since we are able to employ all the means of the State. Radio and
press are at our disposal.”
Hitler was a masterly political tactician. He was determined to achieve absolute power for
himself whereas Papen was really politically naïve. Soon became clear that ‘Papen’s political
puppet’ was too clever to be strung along by a collection of ageing conservatives
- THE REICHSTAG ELECTION, 5TH MARCH 1933
Within 24 hours of his appointment as Chancellor, new R.T elections had been called
He felt new elections would not only increase Nazi vote but also enhance his own image
Campaign for last R.T elections held according to Weimar constitution had few of the
characteristics expected of democracy: violence and terror dominated with meetings of the
Communists and Socialists being regularly broken up by the Nazis
In Prussia, Goering used his authority to enrol an extra 50,000 into the police (nearly all
members of the SA and SS)
Altogether 69 people died during the 5 week campaign
The Nazis also used the atmosphere of hate and fear to great effect in their election
propaganda
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