Register What???

The German revolution of 1918-19 resulted in the Weimar Republic, called the Reich.  They chose to ignore much of the rules laid down by the Treaty of Versailles  and the country suffered hyper-inflation, depression, and hunger and turmoil.  Paul Von Hindenburg became president and in 1930 assumed dictatorial powers.  To control the various militant groups roaming the country and restore order President Hindenburg, in 1932, ordered registration of all fire arms (getting the picture?).  The money was devalued, depression worsened, unemployment worsened, and Hitler became Chancellor with the Nazi Party now in control. 
The scene was set for the disarming of the German citizen, and Hitler did so in 1933.  Interesting how history persistently repeats itself, over and over and over again. BEWARE!