Adolf Hitler Acquires Supreme Power
On August 19, 1934, a plebiscite in Germany officially confirmed Adolf Hitler as the country's President, following the death of President Paul von Hindenburg.
Already the Chancellor, Hitler now merged the presidency with his role, assuming the title of "Führer and Reich Chancellor," thus consolidating his supreme power. This marked a critical turning point in world history, as Hitler's dictatorship began.
Hindenburg's prior efforts to control Hitler, including appointing him as chancellor in 1933 under pressure, failed. Hitler exploited the Reichstag fire in February 1933 to suppress political opposition, leading to the execution of rivals and further consolidation of power. Intimidation and fear led to Hitler's overwhelming 90 percent majority in the plebiscite, solidifying his control over Germany.
Nigeria Civil Service Union Forms
On this same day in 1912, the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU), with civil servants cutting across various cadres, was established in Lagos. With its formation, NCSU became the only significant civil servants union in Nigeria until 1922.
However, the NCSU received its share of knocks as labor historians criticized it for its elitist and conservative stance. They argued that African civil servants were not part of the proletariat but rather belonged to the 'salariat' or emerging middle class.
Other major events on this day
1. Iran-Iraq began a cease-fire in their 8-year-old war - 1988
2. Saudi Arabian Lockhead Tristar crashed on landing at Riyadh, 301 died - 1980
3. Earthquake struck Varko Turkey: 2,400 killed - 1966
4. 1st beauty contest held, and 18 yr old West Indian won - 1888
5. Former US President, Bill Clinton was born - 1946
6. CIA‑assisted coup overthrew the government of Iran - 1953
7. World's First Geostationary Satellite was launched - 1964
8. Attempt was made to depose Soviet and Russian Leader, Mikhail Gorbachev - 1991
9. Sudanese Ex-President Omar al-Bashir admitted he received $90 million from Saudi Arabian royals - 2019
10. Apple became the first US company to be valued at $2 trillion - 2020
Comments