The Nazi consolidation of power in Germany between 1933 and 1934, known as the Gleichschaltung, was marked by a series of events that collectively dismantled the Weimar Republic and established a totalitarian regime. While terror was a crucial factor in this process, it operated in conjunction with other strategies, including legal measures, propaganda, and strategic alliances. To evaluate the view that terror was the decisive element, it is necessary to examine key events and policies from this period, analyzing their impact on the consolidation of Nazi power.

**The Reichstag Fire and the Emergency Decree**

The Reichstag Fire on February 27, 1933, was a pivotal event that allowed the Nazis to create a state of panic and justify repressive measures. The fire, blamed on communists, led to the issuance of the Emergency Decree for the Protection of the People and the State. This decree suspended civil liberties, allowing for the arrest of political opponents, particularly communists, without due process. The immediate use of terror through mass arrests and intimidation eliminated a significant portion of the Nazi opposition, demonstrating how terror was used to suppress dissent and consolidate power.

**Banning of the Communist Party and the March Election**

Following the Emergency Decree, the Communist Party (KPD) was banned, and its members were arrested or forced underground. The elimination of the KPD from the political landscape paved the way for the Nazis to increase their representation in the Reichstag. In the March 1933 election, the Nazis won 288 seats, partly due to the suppression of their opponents and the climate of fear. The combination of terror and electoral manipulation showcased the dual approach of using legal means and intimidation to gain control.

**The Enabling Act**

The passing of the Enabling Act on March 23, 1933, was another cornerstone of Nazi consolidation. The Act granted Hitler the power to enact laws without Reichstag approval, effectively dismantling parliamentary democracy. The vote was secured through a mix of legal maneuvering and coercion, with the Sturmabteilung (SA) intimidating deputies to ensure the necessary majority. The Enabling Act legally enshrined the Nazi dictatorship, highlighting how terror complemented legal measures to achieve total control.

**Civil Service Law and Banning of Political Parties**

The Law for the Restoration of the Professional Civil Service, enacted in April 1933, purged Jews and political opponents from the civil service, further consolidating Nazi control over the state apparatus. Subsequently, all political parties except the Nazi Party were banned, transforming Germany into a one-party state. These actions demonstrated the systematic dismantling of democratic institutions and the elimination of opposition through both legal reforms and terror tactics.

**The Night of the Long Knives and the Role of the SS and Gestapo**

The Night of the Long Knives, which took place from June 30 to July 2, 1934, was a purge that targeted the SA leadership and other political adversaries. The SS and Gestapo orchestrated the murders of Ernst Röhm and other SA leaders, as well as rivals like General von Schleicher and Gregor Strasser. This violent purge not only removed potential threats but also cemented the SS’s role as a key instrument of terror. The consolidation of power through such brutal means underscored the regime’s reliance on terror to eliminate internal dissent and secure loyalty.

**Death of President Hindenburg and the Fuhrer Role**

The death of President Paul von Hindenburg on August 2, 1934, allowed Hitler to merge the positions of Chancellor and President, assuming the title of Führer. This final step abolished the last vestiges of the Weimar Constitution, centralizing all power in Hitler’s hands. The oath of personal allegiance sworn by the armed forces to Hitler further solidified his control, ensuring that the military would support the Nazi regime.

**Conclusion**

Terror was undoubtedly a crucial factor in the Nazi consolidation of power, as it created a climate of fear that suppressed opposition and facilitated the implementation of radical changes. The use of terror by the SS, Gestapo, and through events like the Reichstag Fire and the Night of the Long Knives was instrumental in dismantling democratic structures and eliminating rivals. However, terror alone was not sufficient; it operated in tandem with legal strategies, propaganda, and economic measures. The Enabling Act, the purging of the civil service, and the banning of political parties were legal mechanisms that worked alongside terror to consolidate Nazi control. Propaganda and initiatives to reduce unemployment also played significant roles in garnering public support and legitimizing the regime. Thus, while terror was a key element, the Nazi consolidation of power was a multifaceted process that relied on a combination of strategies to achieve totalitarian control by 1934.