Hitler becomes Chancellor and briefs his army chiefs for war. The Reichstag fire allows Hitler to eliminate political opposition. He consolidates power and suspends civil rights. The Nazi regime manipulates the German language and Hitler withdraws from the League of Nations.
The Reichstag fire served as a pretext for Hitler to dissolve parliament, consolidate his control, and implement oppressive laws and policies against Jews and political opponents.
The establishment of concentration camps and the trial of Marinus van der Lubbe sparked debate and further consolidation of Nazi power, leading to increased arrests, persecution, and Hitler's preparation for conflicts with Poland and the Western powers.
Deep dives
The Reichstag Fire and Hitler's Seizure of Power
On the evening of February 27, 1933, the German Reichstag building was set on fire. Hitler and Goebbels rush to the scene, using the fire as an opportunity to solidify their power. The fire is blamed on communists, leading to mass arrests and the suspension of civil liberties. Hitler seizes this moment to dissolve parliament, call for new elections, and consolidate his control. The Nazis win a significant majority, effectively making Germany a one-party state. Hitler institutes oppressive laws and policies against Jews, political opponents, and other groups. The establishment of concentration camps begins, and the Nazi regime engages in propaganda and cultural manipulation to control the population. Hitler also begins to withdraw Germany from international cooperation, such as the League of Nations.
The Reichstag Fire Trial and Its Aftermath
The trial of Marinus van der Lubbe, accused of setting the Reichstag fire, takes place in Leipzig. Despite suggestions of a larger conspiracy, van der Lubbe is pursued as the sole perpetrator. He is sentenced to death and executed, while others are acquitted. The trial sparks debate, with some believing the Nazis orchestrated the fire for political gain. Regardless of who was responsible, the Reichstag fire is used as a pretext to further consolidate Nazi power. The Nazis implement harsher laws, increase arrests and persecution, and continue their anti-Semitic policies. Hitler seeks alliances with Mussolini and prepares for possible conflicts with Poland and the Western powers.
The Growing Totalitarian State and Hitler's Propaganda Machine
Under Hitler's leadership, the Nazi regime tightens its grip on German society. The concentration camp system expands, targeting not only political opponents but also those deemed undesirable by the regime, such as Jews, Romani people, and disabled individuals. Sterilization laws are introduced to enforce eugenics policies. Hitler also withdraws Germany from the League of Nations and starts promoting militarization and territorial ambitions. Meanwhile, Joseph Goebbels controls propaganda and censorship, shaping public opinion and suppressing dissent. The German population is increasingly subjected to Nazi ideology and forced conformity through fear and surveillance.
Hitler's Quest for Allies and the Final Steps to Dictatorship
Hitler is concerned about potential military alliances forming against Germany, so he pursues an alliance with Mussolini's Italy. He signs a non-aggression pact with Poland, while secretly planning to annex Polish territories. Hitler conducts purges within the Nazi Party to eliminate potential rivals and consolidate his own power. In a final savage act, he orders the execution of those associated with the SA, his Brown Shirt army, effectively removing any opposition. Hitler secures his position as the unassailable leader, with the stage set for his aggressive foreign policies and for Germany's full transformation into a totalitarian state.
Installed as Chancellor, Hitler briefs his army chiefs to prepare for war. But first, he must deal with enemies at home… After the German parliament building is set ablaze, Hitler seizes the opportunity to eliminate all political opposition. His opponents will be dragged away to the first of the infamous camps.
A Noiser production, written by Jeff Dawson.
Scroll to Season 2 for episodes on Hitler’s early years.
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