Chancellor to Führer Flashcards
On what date was the Reichstag Fire?
February 27, 1933
Describe what happened in the Reichstag Fire
> Marinus van der Lubbe, a Dutch Communist, started a fire in the Reichstag by arson
> Unknown whether acting alone, on behalf of Communists or whether Nazis started fire themselves
What were the results of the Reichstag fire?
> Hermann Göring, Minister of the Interior, had 4000 Communists arrested and imprisoned.
> Hitler persuaded Hindenburg to enact Article 48 and pass a decree suspending freedom of speech and freedom of the press
> Police could now arrest without trial
When was the Enabling Act signed?
March 1933
How did Hitler use the SA to ensure his Enabling Act got passed?
> SA entered Opera House to intimidate members while they voted
> 444 vote for, 94 against
> Hitler now had full control of Law making for 4 years (later extended)- no need to consult Reichstag or Presidential signature
How did Hitler use the Enabling Act?
> April 1933- Jews and political opponents removed from civil service
> May 1933- Trade unions banned and strikes made illegal
> July 1933- Law against formation of parties creates a one-party state
> October 1933- Reich press law imposes strict press censorship
When was the Night of the Long Knives?
30 June, 1934
Why did Hitler decide to carry out a purge of the SA?
> By 1934 SA had become very powerful- over 2.5 million members.
> Ernst Röhm wanted the SA to take over the army. Hitler preferred the army as they were better trained.
> Röhm was too Socialist and was emerging as a potential rival to Hitler.
Describe the events of the Night of the Long Knives
> Hitler ordered Himmler and the SS to assemble top SA leaders at a Bavarian spa in Bad Wiessee
> On the morning of June 30 SS units transferred them to Stadelheim Prison in Munich
> There the SS shot most of them including Röhm. Also murdered other political opponents like von Kahr and von Scheicher
When did Hindenburg die?
2 August, 1934
What did Hitler do after Hindenburg’s death?
> He combined the roles of Chancellor and President and gave himself the title of ‘Führer’
> He was now head of state
Why was it important for Hitler to get the army’s support that Hindenburg died?
> The army swore its oath of allegiance to the President not the Chancellor.
> On the same day of Hindenburg’s death, the army swore its oath to Hitler.
How did Hitler make it seem like his rise to power was legitimate?
> Carried out a referendum in August
> 90% votes in favour however 870,000 spoiled ballot papers
