How The Nazis Created A Dictatorship - Complete Flashcards
When was the Reichstag fire?
27 February 1933
Recall the event of the ‘Reichstag Fire’.
- The Reichstag burnt down with the communist Van der Lubbe arrested on the scene.
- Hitler used this to prove his claim of how the communists were plotting to overthrow the government.
What did the Reichstag fire lead to?
Hitler persuaded Hindenburg to pass ‘the Emergency Decree’ which gave him more power.
- Law enabled Nazi controlled police to arrest anyone suspected of opposing government, ban political parties, close newspapers, and hold people without trial.
- Law caused Germany to ultimately become a police state.
How did Hitler use the Emergency decree to help him create a dictatorship?
To reduce political opposition.
- 4000 communists arrested.
- communist party banned.
- shut down political opponent meetings and newspapers.
When was the Enabling Act passed?
23 March 1933
What was the Enabling Act?
A law passed by the Reichstag that gave Hitler the power to pass any law without the approval of the Reichstag.
What did the Enabling Act lead to?
May 1933
Trade unions banned - removed workers’ rights and brought them under his control.
July 1933
Political parties banned - all except Nazis banned - no democracy.
April 1934
People’s Courts set up - gave Hitler power over the justice system.
January 1934
Local governments abolished - replaced with governors loyal to Hitler.
How did the Enabling Act help Hitler create a dictatorship?
It removed democracy and gave Hitler complete control over government and laws.
When was the Night of the Long Knives?
30 June 1934
What led to the Night of the Long Knives?
- The loyalty of 3,000,000 stormtroopers to Röhm put him in an ideal position to challenge Hitler.
- Röhm opposed Hitler’s policies and had socialist views.
- Size comparison of SA to army (3,000,000 : 100,000) intimidated German army officers.
- German army officers believed Röhm wanted the SA to replace them.
- SS leaders wanted to increase their power and reputation by reducing the SA’s.
What did the Night of the Long Knives lead to?
- 400 SA leaders (e.g., Röhm, other senior officers) arrested, imprisoned, and shot.
- Old political opposition was shot (e.g., von Papen, von Schleicher).
How did the Night of the Long Knives help Hitler create a dictatorship?
It increased popularity, power of SS and removed internal opposition.
- Most Germans were happy that the SA, hated for their brutality, were refrained.
- Army supported Hitler.
- Leftover SA completely under Hitler’s control and no longer opposed the army.
When was the death of Hindenburg?
2 August 1934
What did the death of Hindenburg lead to?
- Hitler combines the President and Chancellor role to create a new title: “Fuhrer…”
- Army forced to swear an oath of loyalty and obedience to Hitler - brought them under his control.
How did the death of Hindenburg help Hitler to create a dictatorship?
It made Hitler the complete ruler of Germany, neutralising any opposition within the army.
