第2153期：How many days does it take to dismantle a democracy?

How many days does it take to dismantle a democracy?

The answer is 53 days (or 52 days).

Let’s look back at Germany in 1933.

Jan 30, 1933

Hitler was appointed Chancellor by President Paul von Hindenburg.

🚘Caution: The 53 days started from here. 

Feb 27, 1933

Just 28 days after Hitler became Chancellor, a mysterious fire broke out in the parliament building (“The Reichstag Fire” incident).

🚘Caution: This was the crucial moment.

Feb 28, 1933

In immediate response to the Reichstag fire, German President, on the advice of Chancellor Adolf Hitler, issued “The Reichstag Fire Decree.” 

🚘Caution: This symbolized the Nazi started to enjoy a “super power” above the laws. 

This
decree was used as the legal basis for the imprisonment of anyone
considered to be opponents of the Nazis, and to suppress publications
not considered “friendly” to the Nazi cause.

March 23, 1933

The Enabling Act was passed, letting Hitler’s government bypass the Reichstag and rule by decree.

🚘Caution: This Act laid the foundation for the complete Nazification of German society because it allowed the Reich government to issue laws without the consent of Germany’s parliament.

From Jan 30 to Mar 23, 1933, it took 52 days (plus several hours, hence some saying 53 days) to dismantle a democracy. 

History repeats itself because human beings never change; only the director can be an unsuccessful artist or a con man.