When Hitler was appointed chancellor, Hindenburg was president, but he was old and ailing. When he died, Hitler announced he was eliminating the position of president, so he would be the undisputed leader of Germany. He declared that he was Fuhrer, and held absolute power. He also declared that it was treason to oppose the Fuhrer, and the penalty for treason was death. So the three step plan was this: 1) No more president meant no one could challenge him 2) He was leader or Fuhrer, and held absolute power. 3) Demanded complete loyalty, and if not, the penalty was death. His laws were so extreme, that everyone was required to give the Nazi salute (arm outstretched, palm down) when prompted to do so. Failure to do so was treason, and punishable by death.