Hitle Takes Political Control

Question 1

Who were the SA and SS

Answer 1

SA-Paramilitary wing of the Nazi party. They violently enforced party norms and attempted to influence elections.

SS-Established as Hitlers personal bodyguard unit. They were made up of pure aryans/hardcore Nazis and would later become the elite guard of the Reich and Hitlers executive force prepared to carry out all security related duties without regard for legal constraint.

Question 2

When did the Reichstag fire happen and how was that a step towards Hitlers consolidation of power?

Answer 2

27th February 1933

Hitler blamed Marinus Van der Lubbe (communist) and convinced everyone that communists were a major threat. This persuaded President Hindenburg to bring in the “Decree for the protection of people and state” Law

Question 3

What was the Decree for the protection of people and state and what did it allow

Answer 3

A law that suspended most of the basic rights of the Weimar Constitution and tightened the Reichs control over state governments

It allowed Hitler to get rid of any political opponents without anyone questioning.

Question 4

How was the Enabling Act passed and what did it allow

Answer 4

The Nazis got the Enabling Act passed through the use of threats and intimidating politicians inside the Reichstag by the SA. They removed the KPD from the Reichstag and convinced the Centre Party to support him.

It allowed Hitler make laws without having to have the approval from the Reichstag for 4 years (23rd March 1933-1st April 1937)

SDP voted against the Nazis

Question 5

What was the Night of the Long Knives

Answer 5

30th June 1934

Allowed Hitler to remove the threat of the SA and get the army on his side as the army and President Hindenburg did not like the SA

Members of the SS killed and arrested members of the SA and killed their leader Ernst Röhm. Hitler needed to stop the idea of a 2nd Revolution and killed old political rivals such as Von Schleicher and Gustav Von Kahr.

After this Hitler had gained the support of the Army and later in August 1934 the army will swear an oath of loyalty. Hitler portrayed this event to the public as saving the nation.