How did hitler consolidate power

Another example of Hitler using force to gain power is in January 1934 when he took over all state governments, and when he created the Law against the Formation of New Parties in July 1933. In addition, an example of Hitler combining force and concessions to attain power was the Night of the Long Knives. Leading up to this event Hitler had made sure any potential opponents of the Nazis had either left Germany or had been taken to special concentration camps run by the SS, when he became Chancellor a year before. All other political parties were banned. Yet Hitler was still not entirely secure, as he was a paranoid man. Ernest Rohm was the leader of the SA and was a potential rival of Hitler. Hitler saw him as suspicious and was worried that Rohm would use his control over the 4 million SA men against Hitler. So, on 29-30th June SS men broke into the homes of Rohm and other leading figures in the SA and arrested them. Hitler accused Rohm of plotting to overthrow and murder him. Over the weekend Rohm and 400 others were executed. These included the former Chancellor von Schleicher, and many others who had no connection with Rohm. Even though this took place over the weekend it came to be known as the Night of the Long Knives.

On 24th March 1933 the Enabling Act was decreed. This meant that Hitler could pass decrees without consulting the President and this made Hitler a legal dictator. Furthermore, trade unions were banned on 2nd May 1933 and all workers belonged to the new German Labour Front (DAF). Moreover, an agreement was made between the state and the Roman Catholic Church, this intended that government protected religious freedom but the church was banned from political activity.

The last and final consolidation that bought Hitler ultimate power was the death of President Hindenburg, which meant that Hitler became Fuhrer of Germany. On 2nd August 1934 the whole army swore an oath of personal loyalty to Hitler. The army approved to stay out of politics and to serve Hitler. In response, Hitler spent huge sums on rearmament, bought back conscription and made plans to make Germany a great military power once again.