Introduction
The question of how Adolf Hitler, initially appointed Chancellor in January 1933, became the unchallenged dictator of Germany by August 1934, is complex. While the Nazi regime made use of legal instruments like the Enabling Act, it also employed violence and intimidation. To argue that Hitler’s power was achieved solely through legal means would be an oversimplification. This essay will argue that while Hitler utilised legal means to expand his control, it was the combination of legal changes, terror tactics, and a climate of fear that truly allowed him to establish total power.

Paragraph 1: Legal Means
Point: One of the most significant legal instruments Hitler used to consolidate his power was the Enabling Act, passed in March 1933.
Evidence: The Enabling Act effectively amended the Weimar Constitution, granting Hitler's government the authority to enact laws without the consent of the Reichstag for a period of four years.
Explanation: This law, achieved through political maneuvering and the suppression of opposition (including the intimidation of communist deputies), was technically legal within the framework of the Weimar Republic. It provided the Nazi regime with a veneer of legitimacy while effectively dismantling democratic processes. The Reichstag Fire Decree, passed a month earlier, had already suspended key civil liberties, creating an atmosphere of fear and enabling the suppression of political opponents, further paving the way for the Enabling Act.

Paragraph 2: A Combination of Legal & Illegal Means
Point: While legal maneuvers provided the framework, Hitler also relied heavily on illegal and brutal tactics to eliminate opposition and solidify his grip on power.
Evidence: The Night of the Long Knives, from June 30 to July 2, 1934, saw the extrajudicial killing of political opponents, including members of the SA, Hitler’s own paramilitary force. This purge was illegal even by the increasingly authoritarian standards of Nazi Germany.
Explanation: By eliminating potential rivals within his own party and beyond, Hitler removed threats to his authority and instilled fear in the populace. Although technically illegal, this act was justified by the regime as a preemptive measure against an alleged coup. This highlights how the Nazis exploited the existing legal system, often blurring the lines between legality and illegality to achieve their aims.

Paragraph 3: The Role of Circumstances & Consent
Point: Hitler's rise cannot be attributed solely to his actions. The political and economic climate of Germany in the early 1930s played a crucial role in facilitating his ascent.
Evidence: Germany was reeling from the Great Depression, and the Weimar Republic was perceived by many as weak and unstable. The fear of communism was also rampant. This environment made Hitler's promises of national revival and a strong, stable government appealing to a significant portion of the population.
Explanation: The atmosphere of crisis created fertile ground for Hitler's brand of authoritarianism. He skillfully exploited these fears and insecurities to gain support. While he utilized legal means, his success relied heavily on public consent (or at least acquiescence) born out of desperation and fear. This context, arguably, diminished the importance of remaining within the bounds of legality.

Conclusion
In conclusion, while Hitler did utilize legal means, such as the Enabling Act, to dismantle the Weimar Republic and consolidate his power, it is crucial to acknowledge that his rise was not achieved through legality alone. The Nazi regime's blatant disregard for the rule of law, as demonstrated by the Night of the Long Knives and the suppression of any opposition, demonstrates the limits of a purely legal explanation. Furthermore, broader contextual factors like the economic crisis and political instability played a crucial role in creating an environment where Hitler's tactics could be effective. Therefore, arguing that Hitler's absolute power by August 1934 was solely due to legal means offers an incomplete and inaccurate understanding of his rise to dictatorship. It was the potent combination of legal maneuvering, strategically employed terror, and manipulation of a vulnerable populace that allowed Hitler to cement his control over Germany.