Adolf Hitler's Secret Meeting with German Industrialists on February 20, 1933
1933 · Berlin, Germany
Adolf Hitler secretly met with German industrialists to secure funding for the Nazi Party's election campaign.
The 1934 Plebiscite in Germany: Adolf Hitler Becomes Führer
On August 19, 1934, a pivotal plebiscite was held in Germany, marking a significant consolidation of power by Adolf Hitler. This event followed the death of President Paul von Hindenburg on August 2, 1934, which left a power vacuum in the German government. Hitler, who was already the Chancellor, moved swiftly to merge the offices of President and Chancellor, declaring himself the Führer and Reich Chancellor of Germany.
Context Leading Up to the Plebiscite
Rise of the Nazi Party: The National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NSDAP), led by Adolf Hitler, had been gaining significant political traction throughout the late 1920s and early 1930s. The economic turmoil and political instability of the Weimar Republic provided fertile ground for the Nazis’ rise to power.
Appointment as Chancellor: On January 30, 1933, Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany by President Hindenburg. This appointment was part of a political maneuver by conservative politicians who believed they could control Hitler and use his popularity to stabilize the government.
Reichstag Fire and Enabling Act: Following the Reichstag Fire in February 1933, the Reichstag Fire Decree was issued, suspending civil liberties and allowing for the arrest of political opponents. In March 1933, the Enabling Act was passed, granting Hitler’s cabinet legislative powers, effectively allowing him to rule by decree.
The Plebiscite
Purpose: The plebiscite was organized to legitimize Hitler’s assumption of the combined roles of President and Chancellor, effectively making him the supreme leader of Germany. The vote was framed as a national referendum to approve or disapprove of Hitler’s new title and powers.
Results: The official results of the plebiscite showed an overwhelming majority in favor, with approximately 89.9% of voters supporting Hitler’s new role as Führer. However, the fairness of the plebiscite is widely questioned due to the oppressive political climate, propaganda, and intimidation tactics employed by the Nazi regime.
Aftermath and Historical Significance
Consolidation of Power: The plebiscite effectively eliminated any remaining checks on Hitler’s power, allowing him to establish a totalitarian regime. The merging of the presidency and chancellorship marked the end of the Weimar Republic and the beginning of the Third Reich.
Impact on Germany and the World: Hitler’s unchecked authority led to aggressive expansionist policies, the militarization of Germany, and ultimately, the outbreak of World War II. The regime’s policies also laid the groundwork for the Holocaust and other atrocities committed during the war.
Legacy: The events surrounding the plebiscite highlight the dangers of unchecked political power and the manipulation of democratic processes. It serves as a stark reminder of how authoritarian regimes can rise and the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions.
The 1934 plebiscite was a crucial moment in history, marking the formal establishment of Hitler’s dictatorship and setting the stage for the catastrophic events that would follow in the ensuing years.