Analyse the methods used and the conditions which helped in the rise to power of one ruler of a single party state.

Both methods used by extremist parties and the conditions of Weimar Germany contributed to the rise of Hitler as a single-party state ruler, from a democratic to an autocratic system. The instability of the Weimar Republic, the Reichstag Fire, the Enabling Act, and the Night of Long Knives were some but not all of the factors that aided Hitler's rise to power. There were several examples of political instability within the Weimar Republic. Chancellors changed frequently and often represented minority governments, as well as the waning support for centrist government, with growing support for extremist parties such as the NSDAP and the KDP. This instability laid the foundation for popular dissatisfaction with the Weimar Government, allowing Hitler's rise in popularity. The occurrence of the Reichstag Fire in February of 1933 made it possible for Hitler, who was at this point Chancellor, to arrest a large number of KDP leaders and members. Ultimately this fire caused both the practical elimination of one of the biggest opponents of the Nazi Party, and it also gave Hitler the power to use the Emergency Decree.The Enabling Act, also known as Article 48 of the Constitution, was ceded to Hitler shortly after the Reichstag Fire. This act gave the Cabinet power to enact laws without having to have permission from the Reichstag, effectively destroying Weimar democracy, allowing Hitler effective dictatorship. However Hitler needed to secure is authoritative power. The Night of Long Knives saw the elimination of another major obstacle, namely the power of the SA. Four hundred SA members were murdered on the 29th of June 1934, and this night marked a major shift in the development of his dictatorship. He had eliminated major political oponents, gained acceptance for legalised murder and gained the reputation as 'the Protector' of German civilians.