Hitler’s Consolidation Of Power Flashcards
Why did Hitler call an election in March 1933?
Hitler was the Chancellor of Germany, and was the leader of the
largest political Party in Germany. However Hitler and the Nazi Party did not have a majority in the Reichstag. That meant Hitler still needed the support of other political parties to pass laws; he couldn’t do what he wanted.
When was the Reichstag Fire?
27 February 1933
Who was arrested and charged with starting the Reichstag Fire?
Marinus van der Lubbe, a Dutch Communist.
What did Hitler and the Nazis do as a result of the Reichstag Fire?
Hitler and the Nazis then claimed that the Communists were about to stage a
takeover of Germany.
What law did Hitler persuade Hindenburg to pass which allowed the Nazis to imprison large numbers of their political opponents, mainly the
Communists and ban Communist and Socialists newspapers?
Decree for the Protection of the
People and State (Reichstag Fire Decree) 28 February 1933
What was the result of the election in March 1933?
The Nazis increased their vote to 288 seats (44%); but they still didn’t have a majority in the Reichstag.
Without a majority in the Reichstag in 1933, what did Hitler do?
Formed a coalition with the Nationalist Party so that he had a majority in the Reichstag
When was the Enabling Act passed?
23rd March 1933
How did Hitler manage to pass the Enabling Act?
- Communists Party members couldn’t vote
- Anybody who was absent was - Communists Party members couldn’t vote
- Anybody who was absent was counted as present and voting in favour of the Bill
- The SA intimidated members as they entered the Reichstag counted as present and voting in favour of the Bill
- The SA intimidated members as they entered the Reichstag
- Hitler made promises to the Catholics (such as no interference
with Catholic schools) so that they would vote in his favour
What was the Enabling Act?
Hitler could make laws without consulting the Reichstag for the next
4 years. The Act enabled Hitler to turn Germany into a dictatorship.
What did Hitler do with the Enabling Act?
- Banned opposing parties and put leaders in concentration camps.
- Banned Trade Unions.
- Put Nazis in charge of all state governments.
- Used fear and intimidation to make sure people didn’t challenge the Nazis.
Who was the leader of the SA?
Ernst Röhm
Why was Röhm a problem for Hitler?
The SA was a threat due to their numbers and military training. Röhm also wanted the SA to join with the army as Hitler had previously
promised, but this scared Hitler.
When was the Night of the Long Knives?
30th June 1934
What was the Night of the Long Knives?
Hitler had Röhm and 400 leaders of the SA shot by members of the SS (the Blackshirts; Hitler’s private
bodyguards). Hitler also used the opportunity to get rid of other enemies such as von Schleicher. Hitler told the German people that he had protected them from a takeover.
