At first Hitler tried to seize power by force, at the Munich (or beer hall) Putsch (uprising) in 1923. It failed and Hitler was jailed for 9 months. He then decided to try to win power democratically.

Hitler was appointed as Chancellor (Prime Minister) in 1933 for several reasons:

The Wall Street Crash and the Great Depression. Millions of Germans were unemployed and the Nazis promised jobs.
Many Germans were more scared of Communism and thought that the Nazis were the best guarantee to prevent a communist revolution like had happened in Russia in 1917.
Hitler was a persuasive speaker and the Nazis were well-organised.

Even as Chancellor, Hitler wasn't totally powerful. His party only controlled 1/3 of the votes in the Reichstag (Parliament) and many other groups could block his plans or overthrow him. He therefore focused on winning complete power.

Hitler became an all-powerful dictator by:

Persuading the Reichstag to give him extra powers. He used these to close down other political parties and trade unions.
Controlling the newspapers.
Using the SS to murder 400 of his leading opponents in the Night of the Long Knives.
Winning the support of the German army.

By 1934, Hitler declared himself Führer (leader) of Germany with total power.

Year 9 Democracy and Dictatorship

Rise of Hitler