Death of German President von Hindenburg

German President Paul von Hindenburg dies. The previous day, Chancellor Adolf Hitler had ordered the Reich Cabinet to issue the Law on the Head of State of the German Reich. This law goes into effect on August 2 upon Hindenburg's death. It combines the offices of president and chancellor and grants Hitler the powers of both offices. Hitler now becomes the absolute dictator of Germany; there are no legal or constitutional limits to his authority.

In a decree on August 2, Hitler argues that the title “Reich President” belongs to Hindenburg for eternity. Consequently, Hitler decrees that he should be called Führer (leader) and Reich Chancellor. He also announces that a referendum seeking the approval of the German people would be held.