Nazi: Creation Of Dictatorship Flashcards
When had hitler become undisputed leader, or Fuhrer
By August 1934
In 1933 how large was the nazi party, but what were their problems
They were the single largest party in the Reichstag,
Difficulties:
- only had about 1/3rd of all seats (not majority).
- hitler was chancellor but Hindenburg still held all presedential powers and distrusted hitler
- only 2/12 cabinet members were nazis
What happened on the 27th of feb 1933
The reichstag fired occurred, with Hitler blaming communist conspirators, causing communist to lose support.
How did Hitler use the reichstag fire to his advantage
There were huge benefits for his party:
- nazis got accredited with catching the arsonist
- perfect method to stir-up anti-communist propaganda
- they gained not only from political, but financial support - Germany industrialists contributed heavily to nazis fund in fear of communism.
How did the Reichstag fire help Hitler in relation to Hindenbrug
- he persuaded him to declare state of emergency. Meant giving Hitler control of police and power to govern Germany by decree without the Reichstag. His Decree for the Protection of People and State suspended Germany citizens legal rights, so they could arrest political opposition and ban opposing newspapers
- persuaded Hindenburg to call election on 5th of march. Thanks to the (legal) use of emergency powers to arrest certain people and violent Nazi campaign, Hitler secured 288 seats in the Reichstag. Then he banned 81 communists from taking their seat, and with support of DNVP, gave them a majority.
What did the Nazi management of the March elections show
Demonstrated how they used the law to get what they desired - even with violent, illegal elimination of enemies. This became increasingly clear as they legally had got power, and didn’t need help maintaining it.
Enabling act
Passed on the 24th march 1933. Voted with 444 votes to 84 (all SPD voted against). Gave Hitler right to pass laws without consulting the Reichstag. Wa renewed in 1937 and was after ignored due to Hitler establishing his dictatorship. And the act tore up the Weimer constitution.
How did Hitler use his power post enabling act
- demolished all opposing parties in the Reichstag, and on 14th July 1933, a law was passed banning all parties and making country one party state. Hindenburg died, and he formed their roles into one - that of Fuhrer
Why did Hitler feel the need to conduct ‘night of long knives’
While Ernst Rohm and the SA had helped claim the Nazis power, they were seen as thugs and bad for Nazi image. Plus, Rohm’s became more critical of Hitler’s ‘conciliation’ of old gov, army and industrialists.
He had the SS and Gestapo to do his bidding, so SA became redundant, and also feared Rohm may try and seize power.
What was the SS
Led by Heinrich Himmler, they were formed in 1925 and begun as hitlers black-shirted personal bodyguards, and later took over more political policing of Nazi state.
What was the Gestapo
The Nazi secret police, how could arrest and imprison anyone without trial
