Consolidation of Power's Flashcards
What was one of the first thing’s Hitler did as Chancellor
He called for a general election in March 1933, hoping it would give him a clear majority in the Reichstag as there was only 2 other Nazi’s in the cabinet of 12
What happened 1 week before the election
On the 27th February 1933, the Reichstag building was set on fire and burnt to the ground
Who was arrested for the Reichstag fire?
The Nazi’s arrested Dutch communist, Marinus Van der Lubbe and charge him with starting the fire
Who did the Nazi’s blame for the Reichstag fire?
Hitler and Goebbels used this opportunity to claim the communists were about to stage a take over .
What decree did Hindenburg sign
‘Decree for the Protection of People and State’
What did the ‘Decree for the Protection of People and State’ allow him to do?
Suspended basic civil rights and allowed the Nazi’s to imprison large number’s of political opponents, and it furthermore allowed him to shutdown and ban communist and socialist newspapers
How many seats did the Nazi’s win in March 1933
288
What key legislation was passed in the 23rd March 1933
The Enabling Act
What did the Enabling Act allow Hitler to do?
Gave Hitler dictatorial powers, he could pass laws without needing approval from the Reichstag, override the constitution, outlaw and ban other parties and control the press. He could also expand the Nazi police state
- End of democracy in the Weimar
What is Gleichschaltung
Gleichschaltung is a nationalist socialist state that controlled and monitored EVERY aspect of German life.
What was banned as a result of Gleichschaltung
Trade Unions were banned
What replaced Trade Unions as a result of Gleichschaltung
The Labour Front (DAF) was set up to replace trade unions
When and Where was the first concenetration camp opened up
March 1933, Dachau
What were these concentration camps initially used for?
Concentration camps were initially used to imprison political dissenters.
What Law was passed in July 1933 that ensured the Nazi party was the sole party in Germany
Law Against the
Formation of Parties
How did the election turn out in November 1933?
Nazi Part won 95.2% of the vote
- Hitler had achieved full political control over Germany
Why was Rohm becoming a threat to Hitler
- Rohm wanted to incorporate the army into the SA and Hitler needed the support of the army
- He also wanted more government interference in the running of the country to help the ordinary citizens
What did Hitler fear from the public?
A social revolution
Who led the SS and wanted to break away from the SA
Heinrich Himmler
Who was the head of the Gestapo and wanted to lead the armed forces and considered Rohm an opponent
Hermann Wilhelm Göring
What happened in the 30th June 1934
Ernst Rohm and main leaders of the SA were shot and killed by members of the SS
What were other key individuals killed in the NOTLK?
- Von Schleicher
- Gregor Strasser
How many people were killed in the purge
400
Did Hitler manage to gain support of the army and what happened to the SA
Yes - Hitler managed to secure the support of the army and the SA were relegated to a minor role.
What key event happened in August 1934
Hindenburg had passed away and Hitler became the sole ruler of Germany giving himself the title of Fuhrer
What did Hitler do following Hindenburg’s death?
- Merged the positions of Chancellor and President to form the Fuhrer
- Declared himself supreme leader
- Army had to swear an oath of personal loyalty
- Further suppression of political rivals
What did Hitler hold in August 1934 after Hindenberg’s death?
A plebscite to legitimize his assumption and merger to become Fuhrer
- Over 90 percent of votes approved the merge
