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.