Hitler's Consolidation of Power 1933-34 Flashcards
On the evening of 30th January 1933 what had happened?
Torchlight parades were held by Nazis to celebrate and intimidate rivals
What were the weaknesses of Hitler becoming chancellor, however?
He didn’t have complete power
Nazis were losing support and money
They were in coalition with the Nationalists and only had 3 out of 12 seats
Nevertheless, what were the advantages of Hitler becoming chancellor?
Hindenburg became increasingly senile.
Immediately called new elections
What is the significance of Hitler and Hindenburg’s relationship?
Hitler used the media to portray himself as a friend of Hindenburg
What does Gleichschaltung mean?
Coordination
Why did Hitler adopt Gleichschaltung, what did it eliminate?
It eliminated individualism by forcing everybody to adhere to a specific doctrine
Give evidence of Gleichschaltung
The April 1933 law which purged the civil service of Jews
What were Individual state governments replaced with? What was now in action?
Replaced by “Reich commissioners” who were either Nazis or Nazi sympathisers. The Fuhrerprinzip was now in action
Support and Opposition:
When was the Appeal of German people?
31st January 1933
Support and Opposition: Famous quote (Appeal of German people speech)
“We have no desire to fight for ourselves; only for Germany”
Support and Opposition:
Why did people SUPPORT him because of the Appeal of German speech?
- He promised a stronger economy and nation
- Put emphasis on traditional ideas and how great the 2nd reich was - being Kaiser lead
- Promised futures for civil servants. “within 4 years, the German farmer will be saved from pauperism”
Support and Opposition:
Why did people OPPOSE him because of the Appeal of German speech (left wing)?
Left wing were apprehensive - the day after taking over Germany he was already accusing the Left wing for making the country a “heap of ruins”
Support and Opposition:
When was the Reichstag Fire?
27th February 1933
Support and Opposition:
Why did the Reichstag Fire lead to SUPPORT?
- It showed him take control of an emergency - painted the idea that he was a strong leader
- It lead to the formation of the Enabling Act on 23rd March - right winged/nostalgic people wanted this
Support and Opposition:
Why did the Reichstag Fire lead to OPPOSITION?
Communists were blamed immediately
When was the Reichstag election and what were the results?
5th March 1933
Nazi votes increased from 33% to 44%