Adolf Hitler was sworn in as chancellor of Germany on this day, Jan. 30, in 1933.
This is the same job currently held by Angela Merkel.
He was appointed by then-President Paul von Hindenberg.
The form of government established in Germany as of 1930, headed by a President, has been described as already "a sort of creeping coup d'état as the government gradually become less and less democratic and more and more authoritarian, a process that culminated in 1933 with Hitler appointed as Chancellor.”
On the evening of Feb. 27, 1933, a fire broke out in the Reichstag (legislature) building. Hitler rushed to cast blame on the Communist Party of Germany and depict the fire as the opening salvo in a forthcoming campaign of Communist terror. Within hours, dozens of Communists were jailed.
Coincidentally or not, an emergency presidential decree had already been had been brought before the cabinet on the afternoon of Feb. 27. Quickly the Reichstag Fire Decree was approved, which indefinitely suspended most civil liberties including habeas corpus, freedom of expression, freedom of the press, freedom of association and public assembly, secrecy of post and telephone communications. It allowed the national government to assume powers normally reserved for the states. There were also increased penalties for certain crimes. The decree took effect immediately.
By March 24, 1933, the Enabling Act of 1933 would give the German Cabinet — in effect Hitler himself — power to enact laws without the legislature.
Personal dictatorship was established...in less than 2 months after Hitler attained public office.
With deepest gratitude to Wikipedia.