the Nazis began to suspend civil liberties and eliminate political opposition. The Communists were excluded from the Reichstag. At the March 1933 elections, again no single party secured a majority. Hitler required the vote of the Centre Party and Conservatives in the Reichstag to obtain the powers he desired.[56] He called on Reichstag members to vote for the Enabling Act on 24 March 1933. Hitler was granted plenary powers "temporarily" by the passage of the Act.[56] The law gave him the freedom to act without parliamentary consent and even without constitutional limitations.[57]Employing his characteristic mix of negotiation and intimidation, Hitler offered the possibility of friendly co-operation, promising not to threaten the Reichstag, the President, the States or the Churches if granted the emergency powers. With Nazi paramilitary encircling the building, he said: "It is for you, gentlemen of the Reichstag to decide between war and peace".[56] The Centre Party, having obtained promises of non-interference in religion, joined with conservatives in voting for the Act (only the Social Democrats voted against).[58]The Act allowed Hitler and his Cabinet to rule by emergency decree for four years, though Hindenburg remained President.[59] Hitler immediately set about abolishing the powers of the states and the existence of non-Nazi political parties and organisations.[60] Non-Nazi parties were formally outlawed on 14 July, and the Reichstag abdicated its democratic responsibilities.[60]The Act did not infringe upon the powers of the President, and Hitler would not fully achieve full dictatorial power until after the death of Hindenburg in August 1934.[61] Hindenburg remained commander-in-chief of the military and retained the power to negotiate foreign treaties.

How Hitler Became a Dictator

Adolf Hitler's rise to power and subsequent establishment as a dictator in Germany was a complex and gradual process. Here is a detailed explanation of the key events and factors that contributed to Hitler's ascent to dictatorship:

1. The Treaty of Versailles:
After World War I, Germany was severely punished by the Treaty of Versailles. The treaty imposed heavy reparations, territorial losses, and military restrictions on Germany. This created a sense of humiliation and resentment among the German population, paving the way for Hitler's anti-Treaty propaganda.

2. Formation of the Nazi Party:
In 1919, Hitler joined the German Workers' Party, which later transformed into the National Socialist German Workers' Party (Nazi Party). Hitler became the leader of the party in 1921 and began promoting his radical ideologies, including anti-Semitism, German nationalism, and anti-communism.

3. Beer Hall Putsch:
In 1923, Hitler and his supporters attempted to seize power in Munich through a failed coup known as the Beer Hall Putsch. Although the coup was unsuccessful, it brought Hitler national attention and a platform to spread his ideas during his trial.

4. Hitler's Propaganda:
Hitler recognized the power of propaganda and utilized it effectively to manipulate public opinion. Through speeches, rallies, and the use of media, he appealed to the frustrations and fears of the German people, blaming various groups for Germany's problems, particularly Jews and communists.

5. Economic Crisis:
The Great Depression hit Germany hard in the early 1930s, leading to high unemployment rates and economic instability. Hitler seized this opportunity to promise economic recovery and jobs, gaining support from the desperate population.

6. Political Alliances and Manipulation:
Hitler formed alliances and coalitions with other right-wing parties, gaining political support and increasing the Nazi Party's influence. Through strategic maneuvering and exploiting divisions within the existing political system, Hitler managed to become chancellor in 1933.

7. Enabling Act:
After being appointed chancellor, Hitler swiftly consolidated his power. The Enabling Act of 1933 granted him dictatorial authority, enabling him to pass laws without parliamentary approval. Hitler used this act to suppress opposition and establish a totalitarian regime.

8. Night of the Long Knives:
In 1934, Hitler ordered the purge of potential rivals within the Nazi Party and the Sturmabteilung (SA) during the Night of the Long Knives. This eliminated internal opposition and solidified Hitler's control over the party and the government.

9. Death of President Hindenburg:
In 1934, President Hindenburg passed away, and Hitler merged the positions of chancellor and president, becoming the Führer (leader) of Germany. This marked the end of democracy and the establishment of Hitler's dictatorship.

In conclusion, Hitler became a dictator through a combination of factors, including the aftermath of World War I, the formation of the Nazi Party, Hitler's effective use of propaganda, economic crisis, political alliances, manipulation, the Enabling Act, the Night of the Long Knives, and the death of President Hindenburg. These events and strategies allowed Hitler to consolidate power and establish a totalitarian regime in Germany.