Nazi-led boycott of Jewish businesses
The Nazis organize a nationwide boycott of Jewish-owned businesses in Germany that continues throughout 1930s.
Nazi "Enabling Act" passed
The "Enabling Act" gives Hitler the power to dissolve political parties and revoke the democratic freedoms of the Weimar Republic without parliamentary approval. Hitler begins establishing a totalitarian dictatorship.
Federal parliamentary election held
Hitler's NSDAP increases its share of the vote to 44%, but fails to obtain a majority.
Reichstag arson leads to state of emergency
The Reichstag goes up in flames on 27 February. The Nazis encourage von Hindenburg to issue the Reichstag Fire Decree on February 28, declaring a state of emergency and suspending individual rights and due process. This enables the government to detain political opponents without charges, dissolve political organizations and censor the press, effectively neutralizing political opposition to the NSDAP. Emergency powers remain in effect until the end of the war, replacing constitutional rule.
Nazis emerge the strongest party in last election of the Weimar Republic
Elections are held in an environment of economic crisis and increasing radicalization. The Nazi Party emerges as the strongest party, winning 33% of the vote in what will be the last free election in Germany until 1949.