Nazi consolidation Flashcards
What was the Reichstag fire?
On 27th February 1933, a young Dutch Communist van der Lubbe supposedly burned down the Reichstag building. Hitler used this to proclaim that a Communist coup was going to happen. Hindenburg signed article 48 which just gave Hitler more powers. Nazis got a lot of credit for catching the killer and were able to create a lot of anti-communist propaganda. Also they were able to get financial support
How was the March election for the nazis in 1933?
There was a high turnout of 88%
The SA were extremely helpful as they increased votes for the nazis by creating an intimidating atmosphere and helping their propaganda.
The Nazis only got 43.9% of the vote so they needed the DNVP votes to secure a majority
What was the enabling act?
Passed in 23rd March 1933. Hitler assumed dictatorial powers. He needed 2/3 votes and had to get the backing of the centre party by stating that they would respect catholic values in a speech made by Hitler on the same day. The communists and 26/120 of the democrats were prevented from taking their seats.
What was Gleichschlactung?
Co-ordination
What were Hitler’s first actions after the enabling act?
31st march 1933-regional parliaments were dissolved and reformed to acceptable majorities
7th April 1933- Reich Governors were created which were regional leaders of the Nazi Party with full powers
January 1934-regional parliaments were abolished
Why were trade unions a big threat?
Strikes stopped a right wing pusch last time
However it was severely weakened by May 1933
They were deceived into believing that they can work with the nazis when they delegated 1st May as a national holiday
The following day, trade union premises were occupied the SA and SS, funds were confiscated and many leaders were attested and sent to concentration camps
DAF was established to replace trade unions and absorbed all the workers’ organisations
They were more of a method of a control
What happened to other political parties?
Communists have been outlawed since Reichstag fire
SPD’s assets were seized and were officially banned on 22nd June
Most of the remaining parties willingly dissolved in late June
DNVP also did and most members joined the Nazis
Catholic centre party gave up and dissolved on 5th July 1933
Political opposition to NSDAP made illegal
Why were the SA dangerous?
They gave rise to calls for a second revolution
Represented the radical left wing of the party
Ernst rohm was the leader of the SA and was increasingly disillusioned with Hitler
He called for a national socialist revolution and wanted to merge the SA and army
Far larger than the army
Numbered to about 3 million
What was the night of long knives?
Hitler believed he needed the army and it was more important than the SA
Papen made a speech calling for an end to the SA excess which caused a stir
Hitler had to satisfy the conservative elite
On 30th June 1934, it started.
Rohm and all the main SA leaders were shot by members of the SS
Schleider and Strasser (leader of radical socialist wing of the party) were killed
Why was the night of long knives significant?
Army aligned with the Nazis and agreed to take an oath to Hitler
SA rendered unarmed and only used for propaganda
The SS has emerged as the successor
Hitler’s actions were accepted
