How did Hitler create a totalitarian state Flashcards
What was the Reichstag Fire?
It was a fire caused by a man called Marinus van der Lubbe (a communist but likely not doing this on behalf of the communist party). The fire was in the Reichstag building, which is Germany’s government building
What were the consequences of the Reichstag fire?
Hitler seized the oppurtunity to blame the Communist party and get them banned from elections by convincing Hindenburg to pass Article 48 (pause deomcracy)
This meant the Nazis gained many votes from Communists as they were radical
This gave the Nazis a majority in the Reichstag (288 seats) and could essentially do whatever they wanted
How did Hitler become a more recognisable figure?
He ran for president of Germany and gained 12 millon votes and 15 million in the re-run. He knew he would lose but did it to gain popularity and this was crucial to his and his party’s success.
How did Hitler become chancellor?
After losing the presidential election he was always present as a popular candidate for Chancellor. However Hindenburg didn’t like him and did everything to ensure he wouldn’t become president.
Hindenburg appointed Bruning, Von Papen and Von Schleicher who all ultimately failed.
Von Papen said he could keep Hitler under control to Hindenburg and Hitler was made chancellor in January 1933.
What was the Enabling Act?
The Reich cabinet could pass new laws
these laws could overrule the constitution
Hitler would propose laws
Was supposed to be in act for 5 years and then be reviewed but the plan was always to make it permanent
As a result, Germany was no longer a democracy as Hitler and the Nazis could pass anything they wanted
What factors influenced Hitler becoming Chancellor?
The repeated failings of previous Chancellor's His popularity with many people across the country This popularity was caused by: Propaganda The depression Incompetence of the Weimar government Fear of communism 1932 Presidential candidate run
What was the timeline of events leading to Hitler becoming Fuhrer?
Reichstag Fire: Feb 1933 General Election: Mar 1933 The Enabling Act: Mar 1933 (18 days later) Local government reorganised: Apr 1933 Trade unios banned: May 1933 Concordat: Jun 1933 Bans political parties: Jul 1933 People's courts set up: Apr 1934 Night of the Long Knives: Jun 1934 Fuhrer: Aug 1934
How was local government reorganised?
It was closed down on 31st March 1933 and replaced with Nazi majorities to eliminate threats to Hitler. It was completely abolished in January 1934
Why were trade unions banned?
Trade unions were organisations of workers who wanted better conditions for themselves.
Hiter banned them ebcause they were a hotspot for communism and allowed communists to organise themselves
Trade union leaders were arrested
Trade unions were replaced with the German Labour Front
What was the Night of the Long Knives?
Hitler decided to rid the threat of Rohm and the SA
He invited Rohm and 100 SA leaders to a meeting and the SS arrested them all
They were all killed
von Papen’s house was surrounded and his staff was arrested
Many others were killed including von Schleicher
Lots of peopledidn’t realise how many were killed and were glad the power of the SA was curtailed
Why did the Night of the Long Knives happen?
Hitler was wary of Ernst Rohm and the SA because:
Rohm didn’t like Hitler’s policies (wanted more socialist action)
The leaders of the SS wanted more power so they wanted to remove the SA
Many SA were bitter as they felt undervalued (they were still unemployed) but were loyal to Rohm
The SA was much bigger than the army and the army were worried they were being replaced
How did Hitler become Fuhrer?
Hindenburg, the only person senior to him, died
Within hours the the offices of Chancellor and President were merged
Hitler became Fuhrer
The army now pledged allegiance to him instead of to Germany
How was control maintained in Germany?
Fear
Propaganda
The banning of ideas
A strong Police State
What solidified the Totalitarian state?
Hitler renewed the Enabling Act in 1937, which ended the Weimar Republic completely
