Short Answer 
Adolf Hitler exploited the Reichstag fire to push the Reichstag Fire Decree and suspended civil rights, which allowed him to dismantle democracy by banning opposition parties and securing the Enabling Act. By mid-1934, he had established a totalitarian regime that instilled fear and oppression, suppressing dissent and reshaping Germany and Europe.
Step 1: Exploiting the Reichstag Fire
After being appointed Chancellor on January 30, 1933, Adolf Hitler quickly took advantage of the Reichstag fire that occurred a few weeks later. He blamed this incident on the Communists, using it as a pretext to push for the Reichstag Fire Decree. This decree suspended civil rights, enabling him to circumvent democratic processes and consolidate his grip on power.
Step 2: Systematic Dismantling of Democracy
With the emergency powers granted to him, Hitler took decisive actions to eliminate political opposition and establish his totalitarian regime. His key actions included:
- Banning the Communist Party.
- Using intimidation tactics against political rivals.
- Securing the passage of the Enabling Act in March 1933, which allowed him to enact laws without the need for Reichstag approval.
By June 1934, Hitler had effectively outlawed all political parties except for the Nazis, fully entrenching his authority.
Step 3: Establishing a Totalitarian Regime
Once in control, Hitler’s regime sought to instill fear and oppression across Germany. He targeted minorities and dissenting voices, creating an atmosphere that suppressed free expression. This aggressive campaign marked the beginning of a significant transformation not only for Germany but also for Europe as a whole, shaping its future in profound ways.