🏛️ March 21, The Day of Potsdam: The Collapse of German Democracy

 In November 1932, the Nazi Party took the lead in the parliamentary elections. 

Field Marshal Paul von Hindenburg, President of the Republic, appointed Hitler as Chancellor. Hitler then mobilized the Nazi paramilitary groups, the SA and SS, alongside far-right militias.

🦅 On this day, March 21, 1933, Hitler opened the Nazi parliament at the Garrison Church in Potsdam, where Frederick the Great is buried. 

He bowed deeply to Hindenburg, swearing his loyalty. Hitler sought to portray himself not as a mere demagogue, but as the legitimate successor to the great German tradition of Frederick the Great and Bismarck, thoroughly distorting history.

After swearing to uphold the constitution, he demanded absolute power. Gripped by fear, the deputies voted to cede all authority. On this day, German democracy collapsed. 🦅⚖️

Sources: Massimiliano Gioni (ed.), "The United Nations" by Jean Ziegler; 

Progress and Barbarism by Clive Ponting.