How did Hitler consolidate power after becoming Chancellor?

Hitler consolidated power after becoming Chancellor through legal means, propaganda, and suppression of opposition.

After being appointed Chancellor in January 1933, Hitler embarked on a systematic process of consolidating his power. He used a combination of legal measures, propaganda, and suppression of opposition to achieve this. The Reichstag Fire Decree and the Enabling Act were two key legal measures that Hitler used to consolidate his power. The Reichstag Fire Decree, issued in February 1933, suspended many civil liberties and allowed the Nazis to arrest and imprison political opponents. The Enabling Act, passed in March 1933, gave Hitler the power to enact laws without the involvement of the Reichstag, effectively making him a dictator.

Propaganda was another tool that Hitler used to consolidate his power. Joseph Goebbels, the Minister of Propaganda, controlled all forms of media in Germany, including newspapers, radio, and film. The propaganda was used to promote the Nazi ideology and to portray Hitler as a strong and decisive leader. The Nazis also used propaganda to demonise their enemies and to create a sense of fear and uncertainty among the German people.

Suppression of opposition was another key strategy that Hitler used to consolidate his power. The Nazis used the Gestapo (secret police) and the SS (paramilitary organisation) to intimidate, arrest, and imprison political opponents. The Night of the Long Knives in June 1934 was a key event in this process. During this event, Hitler ordered the murder of key members of the SA (Sturmabteilung), a paramilitary organisation that had helped him rise to power but was seen as a threat to his control. This event demonstrated Hitler's ruthlessness and willingness to use violence to maintain his power.

In addition to these strategies, Hitler also used policies of Gleichschaltung (coordination) to bring all aspects of German society under Nazi control. This included the education system, the economy, and the civil service. By controlling these aspects of society, Hitler was able to shape public opinion and ensure loyalty to the Nazi regime.

In conclusion, Hitler's consolidation of power was a complex process that involved a combination of legal measures, propaganda, suppression of opposition, and control of all aspects of German society.