As the new year dawns in Berlin, the city is fractured and divided. Street battles intensify, and cracks deepen as the National Socialists have become the strongest party in Germany. To consolidate power, Hitler aims to eliminate his opponents. When the Reichstag building, Germany's parliament, goes up in flames, communists are blamed and arrested for arson.

After being appointed as Reich Chancellor in January 1933, Adolf Hitler embarks on a push to consolidate power. He begins to purge government ministries and the civil service and takes control of the press and radio. Propaganda messages and broadcasts show a changing Berlin on the verge of a disaster. Thousands of opponents are jailed or disappear, and Jewish professionals and businesses are targeted. Letters to friends and family outside from those living through the gradual stigmatisation of Jewish people illustrate the fear and uncertainty that grew.

Hitler stages a grand celebration at Nuremberg while Germany becomes increasingly isolated abroad. Political opposition is outlawed, and an incensed Göring takes the stand at the Reichstag fire trial. As the year ends, US ambassador William E Dodd visits a Hitler 'itching for conflict'. Berlin stands in stark contrast to its former self 12 months ago, in the thrall of one political party, one ideology and one Führer.