1. Nazi Pressure and Hindenburg's Health: As Hindenburg, who was aged and in declining health, the Nazis continuously pressured him to appoint Hitler as Chancellor of Germany. Hindenburg resisted this pressure, but his ill health made him increasingly vulnerable to their demands.
2. Enabling Act: In March 1933, the Nazis secured the passage of the Enabling Act, which granted Hitler and the Nazi government broad legislative powers, effectively neutralizing the authority of the Reichstag (German Parliament). This act facilitated the Nazi's consolidation of power and weakened the democratic institutions in Germany.
3. Control over the Media and Propaganda: The Nazi Party maintained a tight grip over the media and used propaganda effectively to influence public opinion. They portrayed Hitler as a strong and decisive leader who could restore Germany's greatness and appeal to the German people's sense of nationalism.
4. Suppression of Opposition: The Nazis actively suppressed political opponents, including communists, socialists, and other anti-Nazi groups, through intimidation, arrests, and violence. This strategy aimed to eliminate any resistance or dissent against Nazi rule.
5. Night of the Long Knives: On June 30, 1934, the Nazis orchestrated a purge known as the "Night of the Long Knives." During this event, Hitler ordered the killing of prominent political rivals and opponents within the Nazi Party, eliminating potential threats to his power.
6. Death of President Hindenburg: On August 2, 1934, President Paul von Hindenburg passed away. It is widely believed that the Nazi Party, including Hitler, played a role in hastening Hindenburg's death to clear the way for Hitler to assume the position of President and gain full control of the state.
By utilizing propaganda, suppressing opposition, and manipulating political events, the Nazi Party was able to capitalize on Hindenburg's fall to consolidate their power, establish a totalitarian regime, and eventually lead Germany into World War II.