1.4 Establishing a Dictatorship

Question 1

What happened by August 1934?

Answer 1

Hitler was in complete control of the German political system, with no chancellor or president. Hitler was Fuhrer (leader), he was leading a one-party government.

Question 2

When was the Reichstag burnt down?

Answer 2

27th February 1933

Question 3

What were the benefits the fire created for the Nazis in 1933?

Answer 3

The Nazis got the credit for catching the arsonist. They were able to stir up anti-communist propaganda. They got financial support from German industrialists who gave Nazi funds as their fear of communism rose. Hiter persuaded Hindenburg to declare a state of emergency, this allowed Hitler to control the police and the power to govern Germany by decree without the Reichstag. Hitler persuaded to call an election for 5th March.

Question 4

What is it meant by the term “Fuhrer”?

Answer 4

A German term that means “guide” or “leader”. Hitler chose this as his title to show his supreme command over the German people and government.

Question 5

What problems of the Weimar constitution did Hitler use in order to create a dictatorship?

Answer 5

He used the Reichstag burning down to arrest the person who burned the place and reap the rewards of such accomplishments

Question 6

What is the name of the person who burned down the Reichstag?

Answer 6

Marinus van der Lubbe

Question 7

What was the largest politcal party in Germany around 1933?

Answer 7

The Nazis

Question 8

How did Hindenburg perceive Hitler?

Answer 8

Untrustworthy

Question 9

When did Hitler and Hindenburg open the Reichstag?

Answer 9

21st March 1933

Question 10

How did the opening of the Reichstag benefit the Nazis?

Answer 10

It made the Nazis look respectable in the eyes of the people and in the eyes of the Reichstag members.

Question 11

What law did they pass on 24th March 1933?

Answer 11

Removal of the Distress of the People and Reich (the enabling act).

Question 12

What was the Enabling Act?

Answer 12

This gave Hitler the right to pass laws without the Reichstag.

Question 13

How did the Enabling Act benefit Hitler?

Answer 13

He was able to get rid of parties in the Reichstag, one by one, until on 14th July 1933 a law banned all remaining parties and made the country a one party state.

Question 14

Once Hindernburg died, what was Hitler finally able to do?

Answer 14

Hitler was legally able to combine the roles of president and chancellor into that of the Fuhrer.

Question 15

What does Plebiscite mean?

Answer 15

A vote on a single issue, by all who can vote in elections.

Question 16

How did the Plebiscite help Hitler?

Answer 16

It helped confirm Hitler’s actions as more acceptable.

Question 17

What was the aim of the night of the long knives?

Answer 17

It was to remove violent illegal, ruthless elimination of opponents.

Question 18

What was the fate of Ernst Rohm?

Answer 18

He was killed.

Question 19

How did Gemans percieve the SA as?

Answer 19

They percieved them as thugs.

Question 20

Who were the SA loyal to?

Answer 20

Ernst Rohm

Question 21

What type of army did Hitler trust?

Answer 21

SS and the Gestapo

Question 22

Why did Hitler kill Ernst Rohm?

Answer 22

Because Hitler was paranoid that Rohm might try seizing the power from him.

Question 23

On what day did the Night of the Long Kniveshappen?

Answer 23

30th June

Question 24

Is it true that the Night of the Long Knivesonly took place over one night?

Answer 24

No it took place over several days.

Question 25

Approximately, what figure could be given to the amount of people who died during the night of the long knives?

Answer 25

Hundreds

Question 26

What was the fate and aftermath of the SA After the the night of the long knives?

Answer 26

The SA continued working after 1934 but in a much reduced form.

Question 27

What was the general reception for Hitler getting rid of the SA?

Answer 27

They were glad and relieved as the SA’s use of brutal tactics will no long exist.