After the death of President Paul von Hindenburg on August 2, 1934, Adolf Hitler, who was serving as the Reichskanzler at the time, moved swiftly to consolidate his power. In a notable political maneuver, Hitler merged the roles of Reich president and Reich chancellor, effectively declaring himself Führer of Germany. This action came amidst a context of growing influence of the Nazi Party and significant political instability following World War I. By leveraging his existing position and the loyalty of the military, Hitler eliminated any opposition, enforcing his authority through a series of legal and extralegal measures. The decision was strategically announced to the nation, with a propagandistic focus that emphasized unity and strength under his leadership.

Immediately following Hindenburg's death, Hitler called for a plebiscite to legitimize his new position, allowing German citizens to vote on the merger of the two offices. The plebiscite held later in the month resulted in overwhelming support for Hitler, showcasing his effective manipulation of public opinion and the use of state-controlled media to promote his image. The event solidified Hitler's role as the unchallenged leader of Germany and marked the beginning of a totalitarian regime characterized by oppressive policies and aggressive nationalism, significantly impacting the trajectory of German and European history in the years leading up to World War II.