Political Maneuvering
- Consolidation of Power: Hitler became Chancellor in 1933 and quickly established a totalitarian regime.
- Elimination of Opposition: The Reichstag Fire in 1933 led to the Reichstag Fire Decree, allowing for the arrest of political opponents.
- Enabling Act: Passed in March 1933, it gave Hitler the authority to enact laws without legislative consent.
Economic Reforms
- Rearmament: Initiated a massive rearmament program, violating the Treaty of Versailles, which bolstered the economy and created jobs.
- Infrastructure Projects: Implemented extensive public works projects, such as the Autobahn, reducing unemployment and stimulating industry.
- Four-Year Plan: Aimed at achieving self-sufficiency and preparing the economy for war through increased production.
Social Policies
- Propaganda: Utilized propaganda to promote Nazi ideology, fostering national pride and presenting Hitler as Germany's savior.
- Youth Indoctrination: Established organizations like the Hitler Youth to indoctrinate children with Nazi beliefs.
- Racial Policies: Enforced anti-Semitic laws, leading to the exclusion of Jews from economic and social life, which some argued created a sense of unity among "Aryans."
Expansionist Strategies
- Lebensraum: Advocated for territorial expansion to provide living space for the German population, justifying invasions of neighboring countries.
- Annexation of Austria: In 1938, Austria was annexed, demonstrating Hitler’s ambition for a Greater Germany.
- Munich Agreement: Acquired the Sudetenland from Czechoslovakia in 1938, further expanding German territory without military conflict.
Through these actions, Hitler aimed to transform Germany into a formidable empire, ultimately leading to catastrophic consequences during World War II.