When did Hitler become Chancellor of Germany?

Hitler's appointment as Chancellor of Germany occurred on January 30, 1933. This decisive moment marked the culmination of a tumultuous period in German politics, characterized by instability and the rise of extremist parties following World War I and during the Weimar Republic.

In late 1932, Hitler and the Nazi Party had gained significant seats in the Reichstag, the German legislative body, but they had not yet secured an outright majority. Political maneuvering by conservative elites who believed they could control Hitler ultimately led to his being appointed Chancellor. This strategic error would have catastrophic consequences for Germany and the world.

Following his appointment, Hitler quickly moved to consolidate power, using the Reichstag Fire in February 1933 as a pretext to push through the Reichstag Fire Decree and the Enabling Act, solidifying his authority. The significance of January 30, 1933, thus lies in its role as the beginning of the Nazi regime and the eventual establishment of a totalitarian state in Germany.