Consolidation of power Flashcards
When was the Reichstag set on fire?
27th February 1933
Who did the Nazis accuse of starting the Reichtag fire?
Dutch communist Marinus Van der Lubbe
How did the Nazis use the Reichstag fire?
As propaganda to say the communists were dangerous people
Banned the party
Ban their newspapers
Arrest 20,000
Used article 48 to gain control
What did Hitler force Hindenburg to sign after the fire?
‘Decree for the Protection of People and State’.
Suspended German citizens rights and have Nazis power to arrest opposition
How many seats did the Nazis win in election following the fire?
288 seats
Events of the March 1933 election
Nazi party didn’t win a majority so had to form a coalition w National party
Despite using SA to intimidate and banning of communists
Enabling Act
Hitler had full power for 4 years:
Ultimate end of democracy
Voted in by Reichstag
When was the Enabling Act passed and why?
23rd March 1933
Because the passing of article 48 and banning of communists was only temporary.
This would make it permanent
Gleichschaltung
Nazi government controlled and monitored every aspect of German life
When were trade unions banned and why?
2nd May 1933
Removed opposition of workers banding together to protest
Created an invisible divide
What replaced trade unions?
The National Labour Front
DAF
What and when was the first concentration camp established?
Dachau
March 1933
Use of early concentration camps
Imprison political prisoners
What happened to remaining political parties?
They disbanded
Law against formation of parties passed and why?
14th July 1933
Destroyed any fragments of democracy in Germany and removed outside opposition
Results of November 1933 election?
Nazis won 95.2% of the vote
How many ballots were spoilt?
3 million
Meaning they refused to vote for Hitler as he was the only option
Night of the Long Knives events
Hitler needed support from army but they didn’t like the SA
However Röhm wanted to incorporate SA and military
Therefore SS members shot leaders of SA and other political enemies
When was the Night of the Long Knives?
30th June 1934
What other significant figures killed in NOTLK
Von Schleicher
Gregory Strasser (former Nazi who could have overtaken Hitler)
How many people were killed in NOTLK
400 people
What were the consequences of NOTLK
SA members relegated to minor role
All opposition within the party now removed
Year Hindenburg died
1934
What was the most important step to consolidating power?
Enabling act as it made permanent and solidified Hitler’s dictatorship/ gleichschaltung
Allowed him to have complete control and pass all later laws
Did Hitler act within the law to seize power? (Arguments against)
No because before SA were intimidating citizens at voting booths
Night of long knives was still illegal as murder was still a crime
Enabling act contents
Hitler had full power for 4 years
Ultimate end of democracy
Established police state: no fair trials, all citizens closely monitored
Did Hitler act within the law to seize power? (Arguments for)
He used Weimar own faulty legal framework to make himself Fuhr
Still called elections to get a majority
