ABSTRACT
The unforeseen victory of the National Socialist party in the elections of 1930 made short shrift of the feeling of amused scorn and indifference toward National Socialism. The sudden realization that an ominous reaction against republican democracy was afoot spurred government supporters into vigorous action. Following the developments in the Communist party and the National Socialist party, both parties are to be regarded as organizations whose aim is the forcible overthrow of the existing order. The government decrees put the authority of the party leaders to a severe test. Intent on avoiding charges of illegality, Hitler ordered strict conformity with all regulations, threatening violators with expulsion from the Party. Violence was common throughout the turbulent period from 1930 to 1932. Particularly virulent were the clashes between the National Socialists on the one hand and the Iron Front, composed of the pro-republican Reichsbanner, trade unions, workmen's associations, and the communist Red Front on the other hand.
