Hitler's inspiration from Prussia

One striking moment came on March 21, 1933, known as the "Day of Potsdam." Hitler chose Potsdam, once the seat of Prussian kings, for the ceremonial opening of the Reichstag. The event took place in the Garrison Church, where Prussian monarchs were buried, and featured a staged handshake between Hitler and President Paul von Hindenburg. Hitler wore a plain civilian suit and bowed slightly, while Hindenburg, in his full field marshal uniform, embodied the old Prussian elite.

The scene was carefully designed to signal unity between the old guard and the new regime. The date was no accident. It marked both the first day of spring and the anniversary of the first Reichstag opening of the German Empire in 1871, under Chancellor Otto von Bismarck. Linking the Nazi regime to the founding moment of the empire was a subtle but powerful message. An overlooked detail is that General Superintendent Otto Dibelius, a senior church leader, helped make the church ceremony possible despite concerns that the space should remain free of political spectacle.

His cooperation ensured the event went ahead as planned. Joseph Goebbels, the propaganda minister, directed every aspect—from flags to music. The black-red-gold of the Weimar Republic disappeared, replaced with imperial, Prussian, and Nazi symbols. Through this blend of imagery, Hitler presented himself as the rightful heir to Prussian discipline and tradition.