One prominent example of a country where a democratically elected government was controlled by an absolute power is Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler.
Nazi Germany
Adolf Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany in January 1933.
Democratic Process: The Nazi Party gained significant power through democratic elections and political manoeuvres. In the March 1933 elections, they secured a substantial number of seats in the Reichstag (German Parliament).
Consolidation of Power: After the Reichstag Fire in February 1933, the Reichstag Fire Decree was issued, which suspended civil liberties and allowed the arrest of political opponents.
Enabling Act: In March 1933, the Reichstag passed the Enabling Act, which gave Hitler’s government the power to enact laws without the Reichstag’s consent, effectively giving him dictatorial powers.
Total Control: Over the next few years, Hitler and the Nazi Party eliminated political opposition, established a totalitarian regime, and controlled all aspects of German life, including the media, education, and the economy.
Outcome: Though initially coming to power through democratic means, Hitler’s regime quickly dismantled democratic institutions and established an absolute dictatorship.
Germany during the Nazi era (1933-1945)
- Adolf Hitler was initially appointed as Chancellor through democratic processes in 1933.
- The Nazi Party had won a significant number of seats in the Reichstag (German parliament) through elections.
- Hitler then used legal and extralegal means to consolidate power, eventually becoming a dictator.
- The Enabling Act of 1933 allowed Hitler’s cabinet to enact laws without the consent of parliament.
- While maintaining a facade of democratic institutions, Hitler established totalitarian control.
Other Examples
While Nazi Germany is a classic example, other instances can be found in history where democratically elected governments moved towards authoritarian control:
- Venezuela under Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro
- Russia’s transition under Vladimir Putin
- Turkey’s shift under Recep Tayyip Erdogan
1. Venezuela under Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro:
Chávez was elected democratically in 1998, but over time, his administration and that of his successor, Maduro, concentrated power, undermined democratic institutions and suppressed political opposition.
2. Turkey under Recep Tayyip Erdoğan:
Erdoğan was democratically elected, but his administration has been criticized for eroding democratic norms, controlling the media, and consolidating power, particularly after the 2016 coup attempt.
3. Russia’s transition under Vladimir Putin
Under Vladimir Putin, Russia transitioned from a fledgling democracy to an increasingly authoritarian state. Since his rise to power in 1999, Putin has centralized control, curtailed political freedoms, and extended his influence, solidifying his rule through constitutional changes and suppression of dissent.
These examples illustrate how a democratically elected government can be subverted by an individual or party seeking absolute power. However, it’s important to note that once Hitler consolidated his power, Germany could no longer be considered a functioning democracy.
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