6. Nazi Germany: Consolidation of power (1933-1934) Flashcards
In what ways was Hitler’s power limited when he was first appointed Chancellor on January 30, 1933?
- Hidenberg had the power to dismiss Hitler
- Had to consult Reichstag to pass laws
- Nazis were not a majority party
Describe the events of the Reichstag Fire of February 27, 1933.
On 27 February 1933, the Reichstag was set on fire and burnt down. A young Dutch communist, was arrested and imprisoned along with 4,000 other Communists.
Why did the Reichstag Fire benefit the Nazis?
- Blamed communists
- Persuaded Hidenberg to give him emergency powers of decree
- Financial support
What was the Enabling Act passed on March 23, 1933?
-Could pass laws without going through the Reichstag or President
How did the Enabling Act change Hitler’s power?
The Enabling Act gave Hitler the power to pass laws without passing them through the Reichstag (parliament). This meant that Hitler had gained a substantial amount of power as he could now create any laws if and when he wanted to.
How did Hitler change the power of the following people/groups (1933-1934)?
a. Political parties
b. Trade unions
c. The President (after Hindenburg’s death)
14 July 1933- law passed banning all political parties and preventing new parties from forming- meant that there was now only one party in Germany .
30 January 1934- law for Reconstruction of the Reich passed abolishing the Lander and bring them under central control-this centralised Nazi power, strengthening Hitler’s position.
-2 August 1934- president Hindenburg died- Hitler merged role of chancellor and president (declaring himself further)
-2 May 1933- trade union offices taken over by SA and SS as all trade unions were merged into one organisation- German Labour Front (DAF) controlled by NSDAP and led by Robert ley- Hitler removed any opportunity for opposition to arise e.g. like in Kapp’s Putsch, which strengthened his power .
Describe the event of the Night of the Long Knives (June 29-30, 1934).
The leader of the SA, Ernst Rohm, and other senior SA officers were arrested and executed.
Over the next few days several hundred people were murdered by the SS
Why did Hitler authorise the Night of the Long Knives (June 29-30,1934)?
- Wanted the army on his side
- Thought the SA had too much power and posed a threat to his rule.
