Hitler Takes Political Control 1933-34 Flashcards
How did the Reichstag fire help Hitler gain control
A Dutch communist, Marinus van der Lubbe, was captured at the scene. Hitler blamed the communists for the fire. Hitler used the fear of communism to persuade President Hindenburg to bring in a special law called the Decree for the Protection of People and State on 28th February 1933.
What happened at the March 1933 election?
The Nazi Party still failed to achieve an overall majority in the 5th March election. They had increased their seats to 288, but it was still not a 2/3 majority. Communists won 81 seats and socialists won 120. Importantly though, the Nazis could rely on the support of 52 Nationalists which gave them just over 50% of the vote.
What was the enabling act?
It allowed Hitler to make laws without having to have the approval of the Reichstag for 4 years. (dictatorial powers)
How did Hitler get the vote?
Hitler gained the support of the National Party and the Catholic Centre Party, mainly through the use of threats. He intimidated those Reichstag members not already arrested for their left wing sympathies; with the support of these parties he could get the necessary 2/3 majority.
While members of the Reichstag voted on the passing of the Enabling Act the SA marched outside the parliament as a way of intimidating the politicians inside.
What does Gleichschaltung mean?
This is a German word which means co-ordinating all aspects of German life to fit with Nazi ideals.
Who was the leader of the SS?
Heidrich Himmler
Who was the leader of the SA?
Ernst Rohm
Who was the Nazi Minister of Propaganda?
Josef Goebbels
Who was the German president before Hitler?
Paul Von Hindenburg
What law was passed after the Reichstag Fire?
Decree of Protection of people and the state
Who were the SPD
Th SPD were the Social Democratic Party of Germany.
They were the largest party up until 1932–>eclipsed by Nazis
Who were the KPD
The KPD were the Communist party of Germany
What was the Decree for the Protection of people and the state?
Allows Hitler to arrest and imprison communist leaders, politicians and trade union leaders claiming they were plotting to bring down Germany. He puts them in the first concentration camp—> Dachau
What did Hitler do for Gleichshaltung
Take over all local government and then close these down.
SA would be incorporated into the police.
Close down all trade unions and create Nazi German Labour Front (DAF)
Why did the Night of the Long Knives take place
Due to Hitler seeing Rohm as a threat. He believed they were becoming too powerful. Hitler also needed support from the army who didn’t like Rohm and the SA due to them wanting to replace the army
When did the Night of the Long Knives take place?
30th June 1934
What happened during the Night of the Long Knives
Rohm and other leading members of the SA were arrested and shot by members of the SS. Hitler also took the opportunity to deal with old political rivals such as General Von Schleicher and Gustav von Kahr. Nearly 200 people were killed to prevent what leading Nazis claimed was an attempt by the SA to seize power.
How did Von Hindenburg die?
Natural causes
When did Von Hindenburg die?
2 August 1934
Threat from Rohm?
Rohm believed that Hitlers takeover should be followed by a ‘second revolution’ in which the army would be replaced by the SA and industry would be placed in the hands of the working classes
What did the army do for Hitler in return for the Night of The Long Knives
They swore a personal Oath of Loyalty to Hitler
What percentage agreed in a plebiscite for Hitlers new position
90%
