How did Hitler seize power in Germany?

NARRATOR: With staged events, the Nazis celebrate their Seizure of Power in 1933. But their advance is by no means unstoppable. At the beginning of the year, the brown specter seems to have almost vanished. In its New Year's edition, the satirical magazine Simplicissimus writes "There's only one thing for sure: Hitler is feeling the heat. This leader's time is up!"

STÉPHANE ROUSSEL: "Hitler's party had lost votes, the economic situation had improved, but Hitler and his party lived from the fact that Germany was doing badly."

ADOLPH HITLER: "We will not capitulate!"

NARRATOR: Despite dwindling votes, Hitler does not give up. A true demagogue, he knows how to appeal to the masses. For conservatives he is a trump card against the communists. The outsider thus proves helpful in the intrigue for power, driven primarily by Franz von Papen, the German ex-chancellor. In league with Hitler, he hopes for a political return.

TISA VON DER SCHULENBURG: "He was probably not taken seriously enough. People tended to joke about him rather than believe that he would gain such power."

NARRATOR: President von Hindenburg ultimately engages with Hitler. With his help, he hopes to resolve the political deadlock. There is no indication on the morning of the 30th of January, 1933 that the radical enemy of the Republic would on this day be appointed Head of Government by von Hindenburg. Aside from Hitler, only two ministers are from the Nazi Party. Key posts are taken by conservative politicians.

WILHELM GREWE: "Many people believed that by doing this, they had integrated Hitler and rendered him powerless."

NARRATOR: The triumphal procession that evening suggests that more has occurred than a mere cabinet reshuffle.

HANS MAYER: "We all felt that it was a turning point. Nobody could imagine, however, that it would be the fateful day of the entire century."

NARRATOR: Using promises and threats, Hitler soon coerces the parliamentary majority to grant him autocratic power with the so-called Enabling Act.

HITLER: "On January 30 in Germany, the dice have fallen. And I do not believe that the opponents who were laughing then are still laughing today!"

NARRATOR: Almost unhindered, the dictator pursues the harassment of his opponents. It is the beginning of a reign of terror.