Consolidation of power

Question 1

Who did the NSDAP form a coalition with and why?

Answer 1

The DNVP because they did not have an overall majority,

Question 2

What 3 methods did Hitler use to consolidate his position?

Answer 2

Legislation, terror and compromise

Question 3

What was the Decree for the Protection of the People and the State?

Answer 3

Police were given increased powers to arrest without charge (Jews, communists, political opponents) Nazis were taking over the State Government.

Question 4

What was the Enabling Act?

Answer 4

The power to issue decrees and treaties without the approval of the Reichstag for 4 years. It was a fundamental change to the constitution.

Question 5

Why was the Enabling Act created and when?

Answer 5

The Nazi party needed a 2/3 majority so they had to eliminate political opposition (banning them from their seats). Passed on 24th March 1933.

Question 6

Name 4 legal methods.

Answer 6

Reichstag elections, Enabling Act, Decree for the Protection of the People and the State and Ministry for Public Enlightenment and Propaganda

Question 7

What were independent trade unions replaced with on the 2nd May?

Answer 7

The German Labour Front (DAF) by law

Question 8

How did Hitler help the unemplyed?

Answer 8

He established the Employment Law which gave them work.

Question 9

What was the Nazi percentage of the vote in March and then in November of 1933?

Answer 9

43.9% then 92%

Question 10

Who did Hitler have to compromise with?

Answer 10

The Church, the army and big businesses

Question 11

How did Hitler compromise with the army?

Answer 11

He met with the head of the army to discuss plans for re-armament. He ensured them they were the most important institution in the Third Reich. They also signed an oath of allegiance to Hitler and head of the German State.

Question 12

How did Hitler compromise with the Church?

Answer 12

The concordat in July 1933 agreed the Church would not interfere in politics and vice versa. Agreement between the Pope/Vatican and the State.

Question 13

Why did Hitler need to compromise with big businesses?

Answer 13

He needed their financial support especially for the Nazi election campaign. They gave Hitler 3 million Reichmarks.

Question 14

What were the similarities between Hitler and big businesses?

Answer 14

The mutual hatred towards communists and the growing threat of the SA.

Question 15

Why were the army a threat?

Answer 15

They could overthrow Hitler and the Nazis at any point (Hindenburg)

Question 16

Name 4 methods of terror.

Answer 16

The Reichstag fire, the role of the SA (Night of the Long Knives) and sporadic violence in the streets.

Question 17

Name some low profile acts of terror.

Answer 17

Jewish shop boycotts, booking burning in Berlin, first concentration camp set up and constant terror against political opponents.

Question 18

How many political opponents had been arrested by the end of 1933?

Answer 18

100,000

Question 19

What was the process of Gleichschaltung?

Answer 19

‘Forcing people into line’ using terror and intimidation.

Question 20

Give 3 nicknames for the SA.

Answer 20

Brownshirts, stormtroopers and auxiliary police.

Question 21

How many SA members were there in the summer of 1934?

Answer 21

2 million - they had the power to overthrow Hitler.

Question 22

How many people were killed or arrested in the Night of the Long Knives?

Answer 22

On 30th June 84 were executed and 1,000 arrested. Goebbels tried to prevent the names being published.

Question 23

Why was Rohm considered a threat?

Answer 23

Although they were friends, he could take Hitler’s position (too powerful). Goebbels, Goering and Himmler all advised him to take caution.

Question 24

Did the Night of the Long Knives benefit Hitler?

Answer 24

Yes, he was able to exploit SA violence and terror to gain popularity - successful.