After Hitler was appointed the Chancellor of Germany by President Paul von Hindenburg in 1933, the Nazi Party began to eliminate all political enemies. Hindenburg died in August 1934, allowing Hitler to become the supreme dictator of Germany due to the merging of the Presidency and the Chancellery. A national referendum was held later that month confirming that Hitler was the leader of Germany. Hitler's word became the law, with him being able to override/create laws. The government turned into a group of factions coordinating for Hitler's favor rather than a single political body. In the midst of the Great Depression, the Nazis were able to restore the economy, and construct large highways.