Analyse the factors that lead to Hitler’s initial consolidation of Nazi power 1933-34.
On 30 January, 1933, Hitler was appointed as Chancellor of Germany. However, initially he did not have absolute control, as he headed a cabinet of political opponents who did not believe in handing Hitler total power. As a result, through luck and the ability to take advantages of catastrophic events, manipulation of legal procedures and Hitler’s ruthless policy of repression by eliminating opponents the Nazi party were able to come into power in 1933-34. These factors successfully pushed Hitler into absolute power which led to Germany being led under Nazi power in a fascist state, free of opposition.
In order for the Nazis to consolidate power, they had to rely on fortuitous events and the struggles of others for them to expand their influence in German politics to become in power. On the 27th February, 1933, the Reichstag building was destroyed. This was significant for Hitler as it was an opportunity to start eliminating political opponents. Hitler made the communist left parties such as the SPD scapegoats which helped Hitler convince President Hindenburg to pass the Reichstag Fire Decree. This removed constitutional right and freedoms and supressed left-wing opponents. 4000 political opponent were arrested. The fire and suppression of opponents led to further problems for left-wing German politics.
With Hitler and the Nazi Party gaining momentum, the German left remained divided. The KDP refused to forgive the SPD for the events of the Spartacist uprising in January 1919. The only hope for the German left to form and effective opposition to the Nazis, was them to form a united front. This was the only way to stop Hitler. Hitler was immensely gifted good fortunes with the left parties split. As pointed out by historian Henry Turner Jnr, Hitler had little control over the events which were to bring him the chancellorship. These events created opportunities for the Nazi...