How Long Did Hitler Remain in Power Prior to the Outbreak of World War II-_1
How long was Hitler in power before World War II?
Adolf Hitler, the infamous leader of Nazi Germany, rose to power in 1933 and remained in control until the end of World War II in 1945. The duration of his reign, from the moment he took office until the outbreak of the war, was approximately two years and three months. During this time, Hitler implemented a series of policies and reforms that would ultimately lead to the devastating conflict that engulfed the world. This article delves into the key events and policies that marked Hitler’s rise to power and his subsequent influence on the course of World War II.
Hitler’s Rise to Power
Hitler’s ascent to power began in 1933 when he was appointed Chancellor of Germany by President Paul von Hindenburg. This came after the Nazi Party had gained significant support in the 1932 elections, making it the largest party in the Reichstag. Despite the fact that the Nazi Party did not have a majority, Hitler was able to form a coalition government with other parties, which allowed him to consolidate his power.
One of the first actions Hitler took as Chancellor was to dissolve the Reichstag and call for new elections. In the subsequent elections, the Nazi Party secured an even larger share of the vote, giving Hitler a mandate to implement his agenda. In January 1933, the Reichstag building was burned, and the incident was used as a pretext to crack down on political opponents and suppress dissent.
Establishing Totalitarian Rule
Once in power, Hitler began to dismantle the democratic institutions of Germany and establish a totalitarian regime. He dissolved the Weimar Republic’s constitution, suspended habeas corpus, and imposed martial law. The Gestapo, a secret police force, was created to suppress political opposition and maintain order. The SA (Sturmabteilung), or Brownshirts, were used to intimidate and attack political opponents, including communists and socialists.
Hitler also initiated a series of anti-Semitic laws, known as the Nuremberg Laws, which stripped Jews of their citizenship and civil rights. These measures were part of a broader campaign to promote Aryan supremacy and eliminate perceived enemies of the state.
Expansionist Policies and War Aims
As Hitler consolidated his power, he began to pursue an aggressive expansionist agenda. He aimed to create a Greater Germany by annexing territories in Eastern Europe and expanding the German empire. This led to a series of conflicts, including the remilitarization of the Rhineland, the annexation of Austria (Anschluss), and the occupation of Czechoslovakia (Munich Agreement).
Hitler’s expansionist policies eventually led to the outbreak of World War II. In 1939, Germany invaded Poland, triggering the start of the war. The subsequent years saw a series of military campaigns, including the invasion of France, the Battle of Britain, and the invasion of the Soviet Union.
Conclusion
In summary, Adolf Hitler was in power for approximately two years and three months before the outbreak of World War II. During this time, he established a totalitarian regime, implemented anti-Semitic policies, and pursued an aggressive expansionist agenda. His actions ultimately led to the devastating conflict that would reshape the world order. The duration of Hitler’s rule and the consequences of his policies serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of totalitarianism and the importance of upholding democratic values.
