How successful was Hitler in consolidating his dictatorship? Flashcards
What challenges would Hitler face in establishing a dictatorship in Germany?
-he would have to do it gradually and slowly make as many people support him as he could
-needs to gain a majority (seats) in the Reichstag
-Hindenburg still holds a lot of power and he is the only person who can sack Hitler
-Von Papen got sacked due to wanting to get rid of the Reichstag and wanting to rule with military->Hitler knows he can’t do that with Hindenburg
-he promised everyone ‘bread and work’
-needs to solve the economic crisis
What does having a majority mean/result in?
-means you can rule by yourself and you don’t have to consult anyone to pass laws
What had Hitler and the Nazis achieved between 1933-1934?
-he made significant gains with removing democracy like passing the Enabling Act in 1933 which meant that he didn’t have to go through the Reichstag to pass laws
-Hindenburg dying led to Hitler having a lot more power due to him becoming Fuhrer
How secure was Hitler’s dictatorship by August 1934?
-he had got rid of all opposition-> communists after the Reichstag fire due the the blame being placed on them and also bans of other political parties forming
-removed trade unionists
-the leadership of the SA->killed 90 members including the leader which removed their threat
-the army had sworn an oath to Hitler
-decrease in the SA’s power
What potential obstacles still remained in August 1934?
-still bound by the Treaty of Versailles->limited their army and had to pay reparations
-solve the Great Depression and improve economy
-Hitler had to deliver in the elections with the promises he made to gain support
-the church could turn their back on Hitler
What was evidence that Hitler was a strong leader/dictator?
-positive image
-he kept out of the debates until all sides were exhausted and will to accept his ultimate verdict->he supported the emergent winning side
-‘working towards the Fuhrer’ encapsulated Hitler’s undoubted personal power and extraordinary hold over his close followers stimulated actions
What was evidence that Hitler was a wear leader/dictator?
-he appeared to lack interest in day-to-day details of policy and legislation
-he tended to simply agree with the last person who had succeeded in ‘catching his ear’ or having a word with him when he was in a good mood
-powerful underlings developed their own empires
