Chapter 1

Question 1

explain how the Reichstag fire helped Hitler strengthen his position/ consolidate his power?

Answer 1

helped Hitler get political control as a Communists was blamed rightly or wrongly for the fire and Hitler used this to play on Hindenburg’s fear of Communism to firstly get many Communists arrested therefore removing them as political opponents. He also got the President to sign the Law for the protection of people and the state by persuading him the fire was part of a bigger plot the Law helped him get political control

Question 2

explain how the Law for the Protection of People & the State passed by Hindenburg after the fire helped Hitler strengthen his position/ consolidate his power?

Answer 2

helped Hitler get Political control because the decree nullified many of the key civil liberties of German citizens such as end of Free speech, end of meeting in groups, right to expression of thought in newspapers, introduced protective custody. In this way opponents of Hitler couldn’t get their political message broadcast for the upcoming election in which wanted to consolidate his power.

Question 3

explain how the Enabling Act passed by the Reichstag helped Hitler get power legally helped Hitler strengthen his position/ consolidate his power?

Answer 3

because it was a 1933 Weimar Constitution amendment that gave Chancellor Hitler – the power to enact laws without the Reichstag or the President. The act was for four years but was made permanent. On July 14th1933, all political parties other than the Nazi Party were banned on the orders of Hitler. He also used the law to prevent the establishment of any more political parties being formed and banned Trade Unions thus helping him Consolidate his power.