4. Nazi consolidation of power 1933-4 Flashcards
1
Q
When was Hitler appointed as chancellor?
A
Hitler was appointed as chancellor on the 30th January 1933
2
Q
When did the Reichstag fire occur?
A
The Reichstag fire occurred on27th February 1933
3
Q
Who was blamed for the Reichstag fire?
A
Marinus Van De Lubbe, a Dutch Communist was blamed for the Reichstag fire.
(The Communists)
4
Q
When were the last elections according to the Weimar constitution?
A
The last elections according to the Weimar constitution occurred on 5th March 1933
5
Q
When was the day of Potsdam?
A
The day of Potsdam was 21st March 1933
6
Q
When was the Enabling Law passed?
A
The Enabling law was passed on the 23rd March 1933
7
Q
When were all political opposition to the NSDAP declared illegal?
A
All political opposition to the NSDAP were declared illegal on the 14th July 1933
8
Q
When did the Night of the Long Knives occur?
A
The Night of the Long Knives occurred on the 30th June 1934, the SA were purged
9
Q
When did president Hindenburg die?
A
President Hindenburg died on the 2nd of August 1934
10
Q
When did Hitler merge the posts of president and chancellor to become Fuhrer?
A
On the 2nd of August, following the death of Hindenburg, Hitler merged the posts of chancellor and president to become Fuhrer.
11
Q
What did Hindenburg demand, in order to support Hitler’s appointment as chancellor?
A
Hindenburg demanded that the chancellor’s power would remain limited if Hitler were to be appointed as chancellor
12
Q
How confident was Von Papen in limiting Hitler’s power as chancellor?
A
Von Papen was extremely confident in limiting Hitler’s power as chancellor as he stated “In a few months we’ll have pushed Hitler into a corner so hard that he’ll be squeaking”
13
Q
Why did the confidence of the conservatives seem to be justified at first glance?
A
At first sight, the confidence of the conservatives seemed to be justified, since Hitler’s position was weak purely in constitutional terms.
14
Q
What were Hitler’s main limitations as chancellor?
A
Hitler’s main limitations as chancellor:
There were only 2 Nazi’s in a cabinet of 12. All 9 other cabinet members were non-Nazi, from conservative-nationalist backgrounds, such as the army, industry and landowners.
Hitler’s coalition government did not have a majority in the Reichstag, making it difficult for Nazis to introduce any significant legislation
The chancellor’s post was dependant on the whim of President Hindenburg, and he openly resented Hitler. He could easily be sacked as chancellor by Hindenburg.
15
Q
When Hitler was appointed chancellor, who were the other two Nazi’s in the cabinet of twelve?
A
When Hitler was appointed chancellor, Wilhelm Frick, Minister of Interior and Goring, no specific responsibility, were the other two Nazi’s in the cabinet of twelve.
16
Q
Which forces did Hitler not alienate, in fear of them breaking his government?
A
Hitler was very much aware of the potential power of the army and trade unions. He could not alienate these forces, which could break his government.
The army could arrange a military coup and the trade unions a general strike as they had done in 1920.
17
Q
How long did it take Hitler to overcome the restraints as chancellor?
A
Within two months, Hitler had overcome the restraints as chancellor.
18
Q
How did the party aim to achieve power?
A
The Nazi party aimed to achieve power by carrying on with the policy of legality, which the party had pursued since 1925.
19
Q
What were Hitler’s key strengths when he became chancellor?
A
Hitler’s key strengths when he became chancellor:
He was leader of the largest political party in Germany, and the policy of ignoring him did not work, and during 1932 led to the ineffectual governments of Papen and Schleicer. Therefore political realism forced the conservatives to work with him, the only other option being a civil war or communists.
Nazi party gained access to the resources of the state . For example, Goring also became minister of interior in Prussia, with responsibility of the police. This responsibility was used blatantly to harass opponents whilst ignoring Nazi crimes. Likewise Goebells exploited the propaganda opportunities on behalf of the Nazis… all forms of media and the press were controlled.
Hitler was a masterly political tactician, aiming to achieve absolute power, whereas Papen was politically naive.
20
Q
What led to the ineffectual governments of Papen and Schleicer?
A
The policy of ignoring Hitler’s power led to the ineffectual governments of Papen and Schliecer during 1932
21
Q
What forced the conservatives to work with Hitler?
A
Political realism forced the conservatives to work with Hitler because the policy of ignoring the leader of the largest political party led to the ineffectual governments of Papen and Schleicer during 1932, and the alternative would have been a civil war or working with Communists.
22
Q
Describe Hermann Goring’s role within the Nazi party.
A
Goring played a crucial role in the rise of Nazism and during the early years of the Third Reich. His approach was uncompromising and brutal. During 1933-4 he organised the infiltration of the German police by the SA and SS and willingly used violence and murder to secure Nazi power.
He helped organised the Night of the Long Knives and used the Reichstag fire to discredit the communists. Exploited the terror to impose dictatorship.
He was part of Hitler’s cabinet.
Appointed as director of the 4 year plan
In 1939 was named as Hitler’s successor, he did however become resented by other leading Nazi’s due to his ambition and greed.
After failure of the Luftwaffe to win Battle of Britain 1940 he was isolated within leadership and his influence declined.
23
Q
How long after his appointment did Hitler call for Reichstag Elections?
A
Within 24 hours of his appointment as chancellor, Hitler had called for new Reichstag elections.
24
Q
Why did Hitler call for new Reichstag election within 24 hours of being appointed as chancellor?
A
Hitler called for new Reichstag elections within 24 hours of being appointed as chancellor because he felt that it would increase the Nazi vote, but also enhance his own status.
25
Describe the campaign for the final Reichstag elections.
The campaign for the final Reichstag elections had few of the characteristics expected of a democracy according to the Weimar constitution.
Violence and terror, with meetings of socialists and communists regularly being broken up.
In Prussia Goring used his authority to enrol an extra 50,000 police, nearly all being members of the SS and SA. 69 died in street fights during the 5 week campaign.
An atmosphere of hate and fear was used to great affect in the Nazi election propaganda. Hitler set the tone in his 'Appeal to the German people' of 31st January 1933. he blamed prevailing poor economic conditions on democratic government and terrorist activities on communists. He cultivated the idea of a peaceful 'national uprising' determined to restore German pride and unity, playing on the deepest desires of many Germans. He used generalised slogans without a solution.
Another key factor was the improved Nazi financial situation. At a meeting on the 20th Feb. with twenty leading industrialists, Hitler was promised 3 Recihmarks.
26
How was propaganda used in the March 5th elections?
An atmosphere of hate and fear was used to great affect in the Nazi election propaganda. Hitler set the tone in his 'Appeal to the German people' of 31st January 1933. he blamed prevailing poor economic conditions on democratic government and terrorist activities on communists. He cultivated the idea of a peaceful 'national uprising' determined to restore German pride and unity, playing on the deepest desires of many Germans. He used generalised slogans without a solution.
27
How was violence and terror used in the March 5th elections?
Violence and terror, with meetings of socialists and communists regularly being broken up.
In Prussia Goring used his authority to enrol an extra 50,000 police, nearly all being members of the SS and SA. 69 died in street fights during the 5 week campaign.
28
How did finance help the Nazi party in the March 5th election?
Another key factor was the improved Nazi financial situation. At a meeting on the 20th Feb. with twenty leading industrialists, Hitler was promised 3 Recihmarks.
29
When was the Reichstag fire and what happened?
The Reichstag fire occurred on the 27th February, it was set on fire and a dutch Communist, Marinus Van der Lubbe was arrested in incriminated circumstances.
30
Initially who was suspected to have caused the Reichstag fire?
At the time many believed that the incident was a Nazi plot to support the claims of a Communist coup, and thereby to justify Nazi repression.
31
What was the final conclusion of who caused the Reichstag fire?
Despite a major investigation in 1962 that stated that Marinus Van der Lubbe acted alone, 18 years later the Berlin authorities posthumously acquitted him. However in Hitler's recent biography, Kershaw argues that Van Der Lubbe acted alone in a series of 3 attempted arsons within a few weeks.
32
What was the significance of the Reichstag fire?
The real significance of the Reichstag fire is the cynical way it was exploited by the Nazis to their advantage.
On the 28th Feburary, day after the fire, Hindenburg signed the 'Decree for the protection of the people and state'. This suspended civil and political liberties and the power of the central government was strenghtened as laws could be passed without consultation of the Recihstag. This was under Article 48.
The justification for the Reichstag decree was the threat supposedly caused by the Communists. Following this hundreds of anti-Nazis were arrested, including political leaders, and violence reached a new high.
This event helped diminish and weaken political opposition, further strengthening the position of the Nazi party in the upcoming elections, which the success allowed the Enabling Law to be passed afterwards.
33
What was the turnout of the March 5th elections?
The turnout at the March 5th elections were 88%. This high figure suggests the influence and intimidation of the SA, corruption by officials and increased government control of the radio was successful
34
What is the significance of the 88% turnout at the March 5th elections?
This high figure suggests the influence and intimidation of the SA, corruption by officials and increased government control of the radio was successful
35
What was the result of the March 5th elections?
The 5th March elections saw the Nazis increase their vote from 33.1% to only 43.9%, thereby securing 288 seats. Hitler could only claim a majority in the new Reichstag with the help of 52 seats won by the Nationalists.
It was not only disappointing; it was also a political blow, since any change in the Weimar constitution required a two thirds majority in the Reichstag.
36
Why was the result of the March 5th elections a dissapointment?
The result of the March 5th elections was a disappointment because the Nazis did not claim a majority of the Reichstag, as they only got 43.9% of the vote- requiring a coalition with the Nationalists. This was a political blow because political blow, since any change in the Weimar constitution required a two thirds majority in the Reichstag. Also decisions made in theory would be slowed down and be less effective as a compromise would have to be made between the coalition parties.
37
Why did Hitler propose the Enabling Law to the new Reichstag in March 1933?
Hitler proposed the Enabling Law to the new Reichstag to remove parliamentary procedure and legislation and instead transfer full powers to the chancellor and his government for 4 years, removing the constitutional hurdle. In this way dictatorship would be grounded in legality. This required a two thirds majority of the Reichstag.
38
To pass the Enabling Law in March 1933, what was required?
For Hitler to pass the enabling law, a two thirds majority was required form the Reichstag, which depended on gaining the support or abstention of some of the other major political parties.
39
What were the problems preventing/hindering Hitler from passing the Enabling Law?
For Hitler to pass the enabling law, a two thirds majority was required form the Reichstag, which depended on gaining the support or abstention of some of the other major political parties.
The momentum built up in lower ranks of the Nazi party was proving to be increasingly difficult for Hitler to contain within regional areas. Members were impatient, and gave the impression of a "Revolution from below".
40
What was the "revolution from below"?
The revolution from below was the radical elements in the party wanting to direct the Nazi revolution from a more local level rather than leadership in Berlin.
41
What was the Gestapo?
The Gestapo was the secret state police. A key policing organisation for surveillance and repression.
42
Who was Rudolf Diels?
Rudolf Diels was the first head of the Gestapo
43
What did Rudolf Diels say about the "Revolution from below" in his memoirs?
"The uprising of the Berlin SA electrified the most remotest parts of the country... Silesia, Rhineland and the Rhur area unauthorised arrests, insubordination of police, forcible entry into public buildings, disturbances of the work of the authorities, the smashing of dwellings and night raids had began before the Reichstag fire"
44
What was the threat of the "revolution from below"?
The 'revolution from below' threatened to destroy Hitler's image of legality, and antagonise the conservative vested interests and his DNVP coalition partners.
45
How did Hitler respond to the threat of the the "revolution from below"?
Hitler dealt with the "revolution from below" with a grandiose act of reassurance, that became known as the Day of Potsdam. At Potsdam garrison church, Gobbles orchestrated a ceremony to celebrate the opening of the Reichstag. Hitler symbolically aligned National Socialism with the forces of old Germany, in the presence f Hindenburg, the Crown Prince and many of the army's leading generals.
46
When was the day of Postdam?
The day of Potsdam was on the 21st March 1933
47
What occurred two days after the Day of Potsdam?
Two days after the Day of Potsdam, the new Reichstag met at the Kroll Opera House to consider the Enabling Law. The communists who were not already in prison refused admittance, while the deputies in attendance faced a barrage of intimidation from the ranks of the SA who surrounded the building.
48
How did the Nazi's secure the two thirds majority required for the Enabling Act to be passed?
To achieve the two thirds majority to pass the Enabling Act the Nazis promised a speech on the 23rd of March to respect the rights of the Catholic Church and uphold religious and moral values, in order to win over the ZP party. These were false promises which the ZP deputies deceived themselves into believing. This was done on the assumption that the SPD voted against.
In the end only the Social Democrats voted against, and the Enabling Law was passed by 444-94 votes.
49
What was the result of the Enabling Law vote?
In the end only the Social Democrats voted against, and the Enabling Law was passed by 444-94 votes.
50
What did Hitler do within weeks of passing the Enabling Law?
Within weeks of passing the Enabling Law, Hitler legally dismantled the Weimar Constitution, enabling him to create a one party dictatorship
51
What did K.D. Bracher describe the actions of Hitler in the 1933 as?
K.D. Bracher stated that Germany had succumbed to the "legal revolution"
52
Define Gleichschaltung.
Gelichschaltung is bringing into line or co-ordination. The degeneration of Weimar's democracy into the Nazi state system.
Nazifying of German society and structures and specifically to the establishment of the dictatorship in 1933-4.
53
What is considered as the constitutional stone of the Third Reich?
The Enabling Law was the constitutional foundation stone of the Third Reich.
54
When was the Weimar constitution officially dissolved?
In purely legal terms the Weimar constitution was not dissolved until 1945, and the Enabling Law provided a legal basis for the dictatorship which evolved from 1933.
55
What did the Enabling Law provide, despite the Weimar constitution only being dissolved officially in 1945?
The Enabling Law provided a legal basis for the dictatorship which evolved from 1933. The intolerance and violence used by the Nazis to gain power could now be used as tools within government by Hitler and the party.
56
What is used to refer to the degeneration of Weimar's democracy into the Nazi state system?
Gelichschaltung is bringing into line or co-ordination. The degeneration of Weimar's democracy into the Nazi state system.
57
How did Gleichschaltung manifest?
Gleichschaltung occurred/manifested because:
Some extent generated by the power and freedom exploited by the SA at local level - a 'revolution from below'.
Also it was directed by the Nazi leadership from the political centre in Berlin - a 'revolution from above'
These two political forces attempted to 'co-ordinate' as many aspects of German life as possible along Nazi lines.
58
What were the two political forces which helped Gelichschaltung to occur and what was their relationship?
'Revolution from above' - Nazi leadership from political centre in Berlin.
'Revolution from below' - SA at local level, extremists.
These two political forces attempted to 'co-ordinate' as many aspects of German life as possible along Nazi lines. However, differences over the exact long term goals of National Socialism laid the foundations for future conflict, the Night of the Long Knives.
59
Describe the initial co-ordination and nazifying of Germany.
At first many Nazi organisations had to live alongside existing bodies, but they gradually replaced them. In this way, much of Germany's educational and social life became increasingly controlled.
60
What was the priority of Nazi leadership in 1933?
In 1933, the priority of Nazi leadership was to secure its political supremacy through the process of 'co-ordination'. It therefore had to deal with agencies at odds with Nazi political aspirations, such as regional states, the independent trade unions and political parties.
61
What is Lander?
Lander is regional states, which have a very strong tradition in German History
62
Why did Lander/regional states obstruct the Nazi's desires of creating a fully unified country?
Regional states/ Lander obstructed the Nazi's from creating a fully unified country because they have very strong tradition in German History
63
Why did Hitler call for a restraint regarding regional states?
Hitler called for a restraint because Nazi activists had already exploited the climate of February - March 1933 to intimidate opponents and infiltrate regional governments. The Nazi 'political success rapidly degenerated into terror and violence that seemed even beyond Hitler.
64
How did Hitler take control of regional states/Lander?
First, a law of 31 March 1933 dissolved regional parliament (Landtage) and reformed them with acceptable majorities, allowing the Nazis to dominate them
Secondly a law of 7th April 1933 created Reich governors (Recihstatthalter) who were the local party (Gauleiter) with full powers
Finally, January 1934, regional state parliaments were abolished. The governments of all the states were subordinated to the ministry of Interior in Berlin central government.
65
What law was passed to help control Lander in March 1933?
First, a law of 31 March 1933 dissolved regional parliament (Landtage) and reformed them with acceptable majorities, allowing the Nazis to dominate them
66
What law was passed to help control Lander in April 1933?
Secondly a law of 7th April 1933 created Reich governors (Recihstatthalter) who were the local party (Gauleiter) with full powers
67
What law was passed in January 1934 to help control Lander?
Finally, January 1934, regional state parliaments were abolished. The governments of all the states were subordinated to the ministry of Interior in Berlin central government.
68
By 1934 what was the state of the federal principle government?
By early 1934 the federal principle government was useless. Even the Nazi Reich governors existed simply to 'execute the will of the supreme leadership of the Reich'
69
Why was Germany's trade union movement powerful? Provide an example
Germany's trade union movement was powerful because of its mass membership and strong connections with socialism and Catholicism.
In 1920 it had clearly shown its industrial muscle when a general strike defeated the Kapp Putsch.
German organised labour was hostile to Nazism so posed a major threat to the stability of the Nazi state.
70
Why were trade unions a threat to the stability of the Nazi state?
Germany's trade union movement was powerful because of its mass membership and strong connections with socialism and Catholicism.
In 1920 it had clearly shown its industrial muscle when a general strike defeated the Kapp Putsch.
German organised labour was hostile to Nazism so posed a major threat to the stability of the Nazi state.
71
How did was the power of trade unions reduced?
By May 1933 the power of the trade unions was a spent force. The depression had already weakened it by reducing membership and lessening the will to resist. However the trade unions leaders had deluded themselves that they could work with the Nazis thereby preserve a degree of independence and at least the structure of trade unionism.
72
What did trade union leaders want from working with the Nazis?
In the short term trade union leaders wanted, trade unionism to continue to serve its social role to help members
In the long term, to provide the framework for development in industrial relations in the post Nazi era.
73
On the 1st May 1933, suprisingly what did the Nazis declare?
On the 1st May 1933, surprisingly, Nazis declared the day as a national holiday. This day was previously the traditional day of celebration for the international socialist labour. This gave the impression to the trade unions that there was some scope for co-operation.
74
What was the significance of declaring the 1st May 1933 a national holiday?
On the 1st May 1933, surprisingly, Nazis declared the day as a national holiday. This day was previously the traditional day of celebration for the international socialist labour. This gave the impression to the trade unions that there was some scope for co-operation.
75
What happened the following day, after the 1st of May was declared as a public holiday?
On the following day of the newly declared national holiday (1st May 1933), trade union premises were occupied by the SA and SS, union funds were confiscated and many of the leaders were arrested and sent to the early concentration camps such as Dachau.. This portrayed the Machiavellian and duplicitous characteristics of the party.
76
What happened on the 2nd May 1933?
On the following day of the newly declared national holiday (1st May 1933), trade union premises were occupied by the SA and SS, union funds were confiscated and many of the leaders were arrested and sent to the early concentration camps such as Dachau.. This portrayed the Machiavellian and duplicitous characteristics of the party.
77
What replaced trade unions?
Trade unions were banned and replaced by the German Labour Front (DAF) , all German workers' organisations were absorbed into it.
78
Who led the German Labour Front (DAF)?
Robert Ley led the German Labour front (DAF)
79
How did the German Labour Front operate?
The DAF became the largest organisation in Nazi Germany with 22 million members, but it acted more as an instrument of control than as a genuine representative body of workers' interests and concerns.
Also it lacked the most fundamental right to negotiate wages and conditions of work. So by the end of 1933, the power of the German Labour Front movement had been decisively broken.
80
How large was the DAF?
The DAF became the largest organisation in Nazi Germany with 22 million members
81
Why did the power of the German Labour Front movement collapse?
The power of the German Labour Front movement collapsed because it acted more as an instrument of control than as a genuine representative body of workers' interests and concerns.
Also it lacked the most fundamental right to negotiate wages and conditions of work. So by the end of 1933, the power of the German Labour Front movement had been decisively broken.
82
What was the Nazis stance on other political parties?
The process of Gleichschaltung could never allow the existence of other political parties. Nazism openly rejected democracy and any concessions to alternative opinions. Instead, it aspired to establish authoritarian rule within a one party state.
83
How did the Nazis achieve their political desires of a authoritarian one party state?
The Nazis achieved their political desires by:
- Outlawing Communists since the Reichstag fire
- The destruction of trade unions allowed assets of the Social Democrats to be seized and banned on the 22nd June 1933 officially.
- Remaining major parties willingly agreed to dissolve themselves in the late course of June 1933- even the Nationalists (previously coalition partners with the Nazis) obligingly accepted
- Catholic Centre Party decided to give up the struggle and followed suit on 5th July 1933.
84
When were the Social Democrats officially banned?
The destruction of trade unions allowed assets of the Social Democrats to be seized and banned on the 22nd June 1933 officially.
85
During the process of Gleischaltung what happened to the majority of political parties?
- Remaining major parties willingly agreed to dissolve themselves in the late course of June 1933- even the Nationalists (previously coalition partners with the Nazis) obligingly accepted
- Catholic Centre Party decided to give up the struggle and followed suit on 5th July 1933.
86
When did the Catholic Centre Party willingly dissolve?
Catholic Centre Party decided to give up the struggle and followed suit on 5th July 1933.
87
What decree was proclaimed on the 14th July 1933?
There was no opposition left on the 14th of July when a decree fully proclaimed 'The Law against the Establishment of Parties', which, made the Nazi party the only legal political party in Germany, achieving their desires of becoming a one-party state dictatorship
88
When did Germany become the only legal political party in Germany?
There was no opposition left on the 14th of July when a decree fully proclaimed 'The Law against the Establishment of Parties', which, made the Nazi party the only legal political party in Germany, achieving their desires of becoming a one-party state dictatorship
89
Asses the success of Gleichschaltung within 1933.
By the end of 1933 the process of Gleichschaltung was well advanced in many areas of public life within Germany (trade unions, political parties and regional states), although far from complete.
In particular, it had made limited impression on the role and influence of the army, big business and the churches (although and agreement had been made with the papacy in July 1933).
Also the civil service and education had only been partially co-ordinated. This was mainly due to Hitler's determination to shape events through the 'revolution from above' and avoid antagonising such powerful vested interests.
Yet there were many in the lower ranks of the party who had contributed to the 'revolution from below' and who now wanted to extend the process of Gelichschaltung. It was this internal party conflict which led to the Night of the Long Knives and the destruction of the SA in June 1934.
90
What led to the Night of the Long Knives?
Hitler had determination to shape events through the 'revolution from above' and avoid antagonising such powerful vested interests.
Yet there were many in the lower ranks of the party who had contributed to the 'revolution from below' and who now wanted to extend the process of Gelichschaltung. It was this internal party conflict which led to the Night of the Long Knives and the destruction of the SA in June 1934.
91
How did it take Hitler to turn Germany into a one-party dictatorship?
Within 6 months of coming to power Hitler had turned Germany into a one-party dictatorship.
92
What did Hitler warn the Reich governors of in his speech on 6th July 1933?
Hitler warned the Reich governors of the dangers of a permanent state of revolution in his speech on the 6th of July 1933
93
When did Hitler warn the Reich governors of the dangers of permanent state of revolution?
Hitler warned the Reich governors of the dangers of a permanent state of revolution in his speech on the 6th of July 1933
94
In response to the possible dangers of a permanent state of revolution, how did Hitler respond?
In response to the possible dangers of a permanent state of revolution Hitler formally declared an end to the revolution and demanded that the steam of revolution must be guided into the safe channel of evolution
95
What did Hitler demand, amid fears of a permanent state of revolution?
In response to the possible dangers of a permanent state of revolution Hitler formally declared an end to the revolution and demanded that the steam of revolution must be guided into the safe channel of evolution
96
What was Hitler's political dilemma regarding party activists and why?
Hitler was caught in a political dilemma. He was increasingly concerned that the behaviour of party activists was beyond his control. This was likely to create embarrassment in his relations with the more conservative forces whose support he still depended on, for example big business', civil service and the army. Hitler's speech on the 6th of July amounted to a clear-cut demand for the party to accept the realities of political compromise and the necessity of change from above and not the revolution from below.
97
How did Hitler address the revolution from above his speech on the 6th July 1933?
Hitler's speech on the 6th of July amounted to a clear-cut demand for the party to accept the realities of political compromise and the necessity of change from above and not the revolution from below.
98
What was the response to Hitler's speech regarding the revolution from below?
Hitler's appeal failed to have the desired effect. If anything, it reinforced the fears of many party members that the Nazi leadership was prepared to dilute National Socialist ideology. These concerns rised from the SA members giving rise to call for a "Second revolution'
99
What was the 'second revolution'?
The aims of Rohm and the SA were for social and economic reforms and the creation of 'people's army' which would merge the German Army and the SA. These aims were more attractive to 'left-wing Nazis' or 'radical Nazis'
100
Who did the ideology of the SA appeal to, particularly the Second Revolution?
The aims of Rohm and the SA were for social and economic reforms and the creation of 'people's army' which would merge the German Army and the SA. These aims were more attractive to 'left-wing Nazis' or 'radical Nazis'
101
How many members did the SA have in 1931?
The SA had 100,000 members in 1931.
102
How many members did the SA have in 1933?
The SA had 425,000 members in 1933.
103
How many members did the SA have in 1934?
The SA had 3,000,000 members in 1934.
104
Why did the number of members in the SA grow?
SA membership grew at first because of the large number of unemployed young men, but from 1933 many joined simply as a way to advance themselves.
The growing SA represented the radical, left wing of the Nazi Party and to a large extent reflected a more working-class membership, often young and unemployed. It placed far more emphasis on the socialist elements of the party programme than Hitler did, and it did not attempt to satisfy the elites.
105
What did the growth of the SA represent?
The growing SA represented the radical, left wing of the Nazi Party and to a large extent reflected a more working-class membership, often young and unemployed. It placed far more emphasis on the socialist elements of the party programme than Hitler did, and it did not attempt to satisfy the elites.
106
Why was the revolution from below from the SA more appealing to the young, unemployed, working class section of society?
The growing SA represented the radical, left wing of the Nazi Party and to a large extent reflected a more working-class membership, often young and unemployed. It placed far more emphasis on the socialist elements of the party programme than Hitler did, and it did not attempt to satisfy the elites.
107
Why were the SA embittered after their vital role in winning the political battle on the streets in 1933?
After the vital role of winning the political battle on the streets in 1933, many members were embittered and frustrated over the limited nature of the Nazi revolution.
They were also disappointed by their own lack of personal gain from this acquisition of power.
108
Who optimised the embittered views of the SA?
Ernst Rohm epitomised the embittered views of the SA as leader. He openly called for a genuine "National Socialist Revolution". He was increasingly disillusioned by the politics of his old friend Hitler and stated that 'Adolf is a swine. He will give us all away'.
109
Who was Ernst Rohm?
Ernst Rohm was an early member of NSDAP who helped form the SA and favoured the 'radical Nazis'. He was homosexual and a heavy drinker, and enjoyed the blood and violence of war and political street battles. By 1931 he had turned the SA into a powerful force. He was arrested and murdered in the Night of the Long Knives.
110
What did Ernst Rohm want for the SA?
Ernst Rohm wanted a more political ole for the SA, amalgamating it with the army into a people's milita - of which he would be commander. This is because he did not want SA marches and rallies to degenerate into mere propaganda shows now that street fighting was over. He also had hopes for fundamental economic and social reforms.
111
How did the desires of Ernst Rohm cause conflict?
Rohm's plan was anathema to the German army, which saw its traditional role and status directly threatened. Hitler was therefore caught between two powerful, but rival forces. Both could create considerable political difficulties for him.
112
Describe the dilemma which Hitler faced between the SA and the army.
The Sa consisted of 3 million committed Nazis, with Hitler's oldest political friend leading it. If had fought for Hitler in the 1923 Munich Putsch and in the battle of the battle of the streets 1930-1933. The SA was far larger than the army, but the army was the one organisation that could unseat Hitler. The officer class were suspicious that Hitler had close social ties with other powerful interests, for example the civil service and Junkers. More over the army alone possessed military skills vital to success of his foreign policy aims. However large, the SA could never match the discipline and professional expertise of the army.
113
How did Hitler initially attempt to deal with the political dilemma between the SA and Army?
Political realties dictated that Hitler had to retain the backing of the army but, in the Winter of 1933-34, he was still loath to engineer a showdown with Ernst Rohm.
He tried to conciliate Rohm by bringing him into the cabinet. He also called a meeting in February between the leaders of the army, the SA and the SS to seek an agreement about the role of each within the Nazi state. However, the tension did not ease. Rohm and the SA resented Hitler's apparent acceptance of the privileged position of the army, while the unrestrained actions and ill discipline of the SA increased dissatisfaction among the generals.
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Why did Hitler carry out the Night of the Long Knives?
The developing political crisis came to a head in April 1934 when it became apparent that President Hindenburg did not have long to live. The implications of this were profound, as Hitler wanted to assume the presidency without opposition. He certainly did not want a contested election, and had no sympathy for those who wanted to restore monarchy.
Therefore Hitler was forced by the need to secure the army's backing for his succession to Hindenburg.
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Why was it prudent that Hitler chose to support the army and not the SA?
The support of the army had become the key to the survival of Hitler's regime in the short term, while in the long term it offered the means to fulfil his ambitions in foreign affairs. Any personal loyalty Hitler felt for Rohm and the SA was ignored. The army desired for the SA's elimination and an end to the talk of a 'second revolution' and a 'people's army'. By agreeing to this Hitler could gain the favour of the army generals, secure his personal position and remove an increasingly embarrassing internal opposition from his party.
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How was it decided to remove the SA removed?
A meeting between Hitler and two leading generals, Bloomberg and Fritsch, came to an agreed position against Rohm and the SA. Furthermore influential figures within the Nazi party, in particular Goring and Himmler, were also manoeuvring behind the scenes. They were aiming for a similar outcome in order to further their own ambitions by removing a powerful rival. (April)
Hitler's decision was catalysed in mid June when Papen gave a speech for an end to SA excesses and criticised the policy the policy of co-ordination. Unsurprisingly his speech was seen as a clear challenge. Hitler recognised that he had to satisfy the conservative forces and that meant the destruction of the SA.
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How was the SA removed?
On 30th June 1934, the Night of the Long Knives, Hitler eliminated the SA as a political and military force once and for all. Rohm and the main leaders of the SA were shot by members of the SS, although the weapons and transport were provided by the army. There was no resistance of any substance. In addition various old scores were settled: Schleicher, the former chancellor and Strasser, the leader of the radical socialist left wing of the Nazi Party, were both killed. Altogether an estimated 200 people were murdered.
The Nazi newspaper, the People's Observer stated that the Reich cabinet approved laws of self defence of the state and stated "measures taken on 30th June and 1st-2nd July to supress the acts of high treason are legal, being necessary for the defence of the state", making the purge of the SA within the law.
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What was the significance of the Night of the Long Knives?
In one bloody action Hitler overcame the radical left of his own party, and neutralised the conservative right of traditional Germany.
German army endorsed the Nazi regime in Blomberg's public vote of thanks to Hitler on July 1st. German soldiers agreed to take a personal oath of loyalty to Hitler rather than the state.
The SA was virtually disarmed and played no further political role in the Nazi state. It's major role was now to attend propaganda rallies as a showpeice of force, as Rohm feared.
The incident marked the emergence of the SS. German generals feared the SA, but they failed to recognise the SS as the party's elite institution of terror.
Above all Hitler secured his own personal political supremacy. His decisions and actions were all accepted. He told the Reichstag that 'in this hour, I was responsible for the fate of the German natin and therby supreme judge' meaning that the Nazi regime was no longer a traditional authoritarian one like Imperial germany 1871-1918; it was a personal dictatorship with frightening power.
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What were the effects of the purge of the SA in the Summer of 1934?
The effects of the purge of the SA were evident in the summer of 1934:
German army endorsed the Nazi regime in Blomberg's public vote of thanks to Hitler on July 1st. German soldiers agreed to take a personal oath of loyalty to Hitler rather than the state.
The SA was virtually disarmed and played no further political role in the Nazi state. It's major role was now to attend propaganda rallies as a showpeice of force, as Rohm feared.
The incident marked the emergence of the SS. German generals feared the SA, but they failed to recognise the SS as the party's elite institution of terror.
Above all Hitler secured his own personal political supremacy. His decisions and actions were all accepted. He told the Reichstag that 'in this hour, I was responsible for the fate of the German natin and therby supreme judge' meaning that the Nazi regime was no longer a traditional authoritarian one like Imperial germany 1871-1918; it was a personal dictatorship with frightening power.
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What happened when Hindenburg died?
On 2 August 1934 when Hindenburg died, there was no political crisis. Hitler merged the offices of chancellor and president, and took the new official title of Fuhrer. The Nazi regime had been stabilised and the threat of a 'second revolution' had been completely removed.
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When did Hitler become Fuhrer?
On 2 August 1934 when Hindenburg died, there was no political crisis. Hitler merged the offices of chancellor and president, and took the new official title of Fuhrer. The Nazi regime had been stabilised and the threat of a 'second revolution' had been completely removed.
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Who was Werner Von Blomberg?
Member of the general staff. Appointed as minister of defence in 1933 and later war minister and commander in chief of the armed forces 1935-38. Forced to resign in 1938.
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How did the Nazis successfully establish a dictatorship?
Between 1933 and 1934 Hitler and the Nazis effectively established a dictatorship. This was achieved through a range of key factors:
Terror- Nazis used violence- increasingly without legal restriction, for example the arrest of the communists and the Night Of the Long Knives. nazi organisations also employed violence at local level to intimidate opposition.
Legality- The use of law by the Nazis, for example Emergency Decree of 28th February 1933, the Enabling Law and the dissolution of parties.
Deception- Hitler misled powerful groups in order to destroy them, for example the trade unions and SA.
Propaganda- The nazis successfully cultivated powerful images- especially when Gobbles took responsibility for Propaganda Ministry. Myths were developed about hitler as a respectable statesman, for example the Day of Potsdam.
Weaknesses of the opposition- In the early Weimar years, the left had considerable potential power, but it became divided between the Social Democrats and the Communists - and was marred by the economic problems of the depression.
Sympathy of the Conservative Right- many of the traditional vested interests, for example the army and civil service, were not wholly committed to Weimar and they really sympathised with a more authoritarian regime. They accepted the Night of the Long knives.
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What are the arguments for a revolution by late 1934?
The word revolution should be used with caution. It means fundamental change- an overturning of existing conditions. If Germany had undergone a 'political revolution' in the course of 1933-34, the evidence must support the idea that there was a decisive break in the country's political development.
-At first glance the regime created by the Nazis by the end of 1934 seems the very opposite of the Weimar Republic. However Weimar Democracy had ceased to function effectively well before Hitler became chancellor. the strength of the anti democratic forces had threatened the young democracy from the very start, so it was never able to establish a strong base. yet, even by comparison with pre-1918 Germany, the regime had wrought fundamental changes:
1. Destruction of autonomy of federal states (the right of self-government)
2. The intolerance shown towards any kind of political opposition
3. The reduction of the Reichstag to complete impotence
Clearly Gleichschaltung decisively affected political traditions which had been key features in Imperial Germany 1871-1918. Thus, it is reasonable to view the events of 1933-34 as a 'political revolution', since the Nazis had turned their backs quite categorically on the federal and constitutional values which had even influenced an authoritarian regime like Imperial Germany.
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What is a revolution?
The word revolution should be used with caution. It means fundamental change- an overturning of existing conditions. If Germany had undergone a 'political revolution' in the course of 1933-34, the evidence must support the idea that there was a decisive break in the country's political development.
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What are the arguments against there being a Nazi revolution by late 1934?
There were elements of continuity. At the time of Hindenburg's death, major forces within Germany were still independant from the Nazi regime; namely the army, big business and the civil service. Christian Churches can be included however they do not carry the same degree of political weight.
Hitler's willingness to enter into political partnership with these representatives of the old Germany had encouraged Rohm and the SA to demand a ' second revolution'. The elimination of the power of the SA in the Night of the Long Knives suggests that Hitler's claim for a 'national revolution' had just been an attractive slogan.
This revolution was limited in scope. It involved political compromise and had not introduced any fundamental social or economic change. In this sense, one could suggest that the early years of the Nazi regime were merely a continuation of the socio-economic forces which had dominated Germany since 1871.
Certainly, this would seem to be a fair assessment of the situation until late 1934. However, the true revolutionary extent of the regime can only be fully assessed by considering the development s in Germany throughout the entire period of the Third Reich.
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Asses the suitability of deciding whether there was a Nazi revolution by late 1934.
Certainly, this would seem to be a fair assessment of the situation until late 1934. However, the true revolutionary extent of the regime can only be fully assessed by considering the development s in Germany throughout the entire period of the Third Reich.
