Hitler also used a number of different political methods to consolidate power, for example the introduction of the “legal revolution” and in turn the “legality strategy”, which focused on the Nazi’s gaining power through fair means by taking part in elections and “supporting traditionalism”. This entailed Hitler constitutionally gaining support by “affecting all aspects of life” – source B. Because of this apparent legal method, there was little resistance to it and was widely accepted right up until the 1933 election. However it can be said that the legal revolution was just a smoke screen. Source B also agrees with this point naming it a “propaganda gimmick” to gain much political support without the growing resentment from other parties, “making all legal, political or intellectual resistance difficult”. Hitler was clever in his use of the legal revolution using it as a way to take advantage of potentially controversial situations legally by previously illegal means the key example of this being the manipulation of the Reichstag fire.
Previous to the Reichstag fire, there was much resentment from the Nazi party towards communism and the communists who were part of it in Germany. Many communists were intimidated, terrorised and beaten behind the scenes, however the Reichstag fire in early March 1933 meant that the hatred towards communism could be spread into the public and in turn gain
further support for the party. Source A tells us of how many “political institutions” made “tactical alliances with the Nazis” whilst turning a blind eye to its violence. The violent aftermath of the fire was seen in the build up to the elections, as there were 59 communist murders and many more beatings. It was said that a Dutch communist ‘Van Lubbe’ started the Reichstag fire, however it is often said that this was a ploy by the Nazi’s to increase resentment towards communism and therefore increase popular support in the build up to the Reichstag elections.
Hitler also significantly used article 48 to his advantage. The Reichstag fire also allowed Hitler to strike fear into the public of a very real communist threat, therefore with relative ease a protection act of the constitution of the Reich in February 1933. Source C tells us of the main points of this act with a number of restrictions brought in. First of all, “expression of opinion, freedom of press and right of assembly” was banned. This first law benefited the party, as it not only meant that the threat of a communist uprising was dimmed but also that any criticism of the party would not be in the public eye. The second point stated “the Reich Government may temporarily take over the powers of the supreme authority” in order to “restore security”. This gave the Nazi’s a further increase in power as meant that they could effectively rule by decree legally without any opposition if they felt it was necessary to do so. Although this could be seen as a suspension rights many people let the party get away with it due to the fear that had been created from the now “real threat” of communism.
In conclusion, it is true to say that Hitler gained power through a number of then legal means, but these were only publicly accepted and tolerated due to fear that was injected into society, therefore although Hitler’s rise to power was mainly achieved legally, there is no doubt that power was consolidated through the use of political violence and fear.
