Nazis' Power Due to Use of Terror and Intimidation

Nazis' Power Due to Use of Terror and Intimidation

I do agree with this view in some ways as the Nazis did use some

terror and intimidation, such as the Reichstag fire; however the Nazis

did not just use terror and intimidation they also used promises and

reassurances to the German people.

Some methods of terror and intimidation that the Nazis did use to keep

their hold on power were on the 27th February Hitler used the

Reichstag fire to build up a German hatred of the Communists who he

claimed had begun the fire, he also accused them of plotting to

overthrow the state.

On 28th of February Hindenburg issues an emergency decree for the

protection of the Nation and the State under which communists, members

of the SPD and leaders of the trade unions were put into 'protective

custody' although this was not a direct act of terror it was a policy

for it.

Hitler was clever during this time and didn't always result to violent

measures he managed to gain the support of the Centre Party who would

agree to support the decree if Hitler promised he would protect the

Catholic Church and respect its morals. Here Hitler has gained more

support and has a stronger chance of holding onto his power through

promises.

Leading up to the passing of the enabling act Hitler and the Nazis had

managed to gain control over most of the German media such as radio

and newspapers which he used to rally as much support as possible. The

Hitler and the Nazis also had control of the state police another Nazi

Goering was in charge of the Prussian police force and were able to

appoint many auxiliary police officers, who were usually from the SS

and SA, which legalized violence against any left-wing opponents.

During this time 69 Germans had been killed and by the end of April,

25,000 people were in 'protective custody'.

However the Nazis did not just use terror and intimidation in January

Hitler manages to persuade Hindenburg to dissolve the Reichstag and