What did Hitler do when he first came to power? This question is of paramount importance in understanding the rise of the Nazi regime and the subsequent horrors of World War II. Adolph Hitler, a charismatic and manipulative leader, took Germany by storm in 1933, and his actions in the early days of his presidency laid the groundwork for the dark era that followed.
Hitler’s first major act upon assuming power was to consolidate his control over the German government. He immediately began dismantling the democratic institutions that had been established after World War I. In February 1933, he ordered the Reichstag fire, which he blamed on communists. This event provided the pretext for the Enabling Act, a law that granted him dictatorial powers. With the Enabling Act in place, Hitler could rule by decree, effectively ending the Weimar Republic and establishing an authoritarian regime.
Another significant move made by Hitler was the suppression of political opposition. He used the SA (Sturmabteilung), a paramilitary organization, to intimidate and attack political opponents, including communists, socialists, and other critics of the Nazi regime. The SA also played a crucial role in the violent suppression of the Beer Hall Pogrom, also known as Kristallnacht, on November 9-10, 1938. This pogrom marked the beginning of the systematic persecution of Jews in Germany.
Hitler’s rise to power also involved a revival of German nationalism and the promotion of a sense of unity among the German people. He exploited the economic hardships and the lingering resentment of the Treaty of Versailles to appeal to the masses. His propaganda machine, led by Joseph Goebbels, spread a message of national pride and the promise of a better future. This propaganda helped to solidify his support and create a cult of personality around him.
In addition to political and social changes, Hitler initiated a series of economic policies aimed at restoring Germany’s economy and military strength. He implemented public works projects to create jobs and stimulate economic growth. However, these measures were short-term solutions that did not address the root causes of Germany’s economic problems. Moreover, Hitler’s aggressive foreign policy, which eventually led to World War II, was driven by his desire to reclaim lost territories and expand Germany’s influence.
In conclusion, what Hitler did when he first came to power was to dismantle democratic institutions, suppress political opposition, promote nationalism, and initiate economic policies that would ultimately lead to war and genocide. His actions set the stage for the dark chapter of German history and the suffering of millions of people. Understanding this period is crucial in preventing such events from happening again.
