Hitler Becomes Head of German Government

Hitler becomes Chancellor of Germany on January 30, 1933. A month later, using the German parliament fire as pretext, he issues emergency decrees that mark the end of all basic freedoms, including freedom of speech, press, assembly, and protection from arbitrary arrest. It marks the beginning of the Third Reich that will end in 1945, after the German defeat during World War II.

Black-and-white photograph of two men in waving out a window. The photograph is taken from below, outside. The man on the left has a moustache, and there are men behind them in the background.

Adolf Hitler waves to a parade in honour of his appointment as chancellor. Berlin (Germany), January 30, 1933. (United States Holocaust Memorial Museum)