The Enabling Act was a crucial law passed in 1933 that gave Hitler and his cabinet the power to enact laws without the Reichstag's approval. This law effectively allowed Hitler to establish a dictatorship.

Source A: Excerpt from a historian

'The Enabling Act marked the turning point where democracy was replaced by dictatorship in Germany.' Provenance: Modern historian analysis, 2020.

After Hitler was appointed Chancellor on January 30, 1933, the Nazi Party moved quickly to consolidate power.

Source B: Timeline excerpt

• January 30, 1933: Hitler appointed Chancellor.
• February 27, 1933: Reichstag Fire.
• March 23, 1933: Passage of the Enabling Act.

Source C: Historian's view

'The Reichstag Fire was used as a pretext to suspend civil liberties and target political opponents.' Provenance: Academic article, 2018.

The Enabling Act allowed Hitler to ban opposition parties, control the press, and arrest political opponents. This marked the start of total Nazi control over Germany.

Source D: Nazi propaganda poster

'Unity and Strength: Support the Führer and the New Germany.' Provenance: Nazi propaganda, 1934.

Historians agree that the Enabling Act was a key step in Hitler's rise to dictatorship, but some argue it was facilitated by the context of political instability and fear.

Source E: Historian's opinion

'While the Enabling Act was crucial, it was only possible because of the climate of fear and division in Germany.' Provenance: Academic historian, 2019.