The Rise of Nazism and Hitler's Authoritarian State

Hitler's Rise: The Arrival of Nazism

Increased social unrest favored the spread of radical speech and caused political polarization, leading conservative forces to come to terms with Hitler. In 1933, he was named Chancellor in a coalition government.

The reasons for the electoral success of the Nazis can be found in the support they received from the middle classes. The future dictator also had the backing of important figures from industry and finance.

Consolidating Power: The Road to Dictatorship

The construction of the authoritarian state began in 1933 when Hitler was allowed to dissolve the parliament and call new elections. Arrests and persecutions multiplied. On February 27th, the Reichstag fire occurred. Individual freedoms were suspended, and judicial control was eliminated.

Although the Nazi party did not obtain an absolute majority, Hitler needed and secured the support of members of the Catholic Centre Party for Parliament to grant him full powers. He accumulated the functions of Chancellor and President, proclaiming himself Führer and Reich Chancellor.

Building the Nazi State: A Totalitarian Structure

Nazi Germany developed into a totalitarian regime where Hitler and the Nazi party controlled institutions, society, and individuals. Workers were required to join the only union, the German Labour Front. The public administration was purged, and the judiciary disappeared as an independent power. The police powers of various states were abolished.

Under the undisputed authority of the Führer, a group of leaders organized the new state. The existing police forces were effectively replaced. In 1934, the Gestapo was created, tasked with the repression of opponents. The first concentration camps were opened in 1933. Internal party opposition was neutralized during the Night of the Long Knives in 1934.

Economic Policy and Rearmament

Nazi economic policy aimed to make Germany a major world power through strong state direction (dirigisme) and achieving economic autarky (self-sufficiency). A Four-Year Plan was elaborated for economic development and rearmament, prioritizing heavy industry.

As a result, Germany became the second industrial power in the world. Inflation was controlled, and some characteristic features of German capitalism were reaffirmed. The middle class experienced significant improvement, and unemployment disappeared among the working class, largely due to rearmament and public works programs.