Nazi Germany - Hitler's Consolidation of Power Flashcards
How was the Death of Hindenburg a reason why Hitler consolidated power?
Because when Hindenburg died in August 1934, Hitler became fuhrer.
How was the Oath of Allegiance a reason why Hitler consolidated power?
The army swore an oath of allegiance to Hitler. Hitler therefore now had the backing of the army.
How was the use of terror and intimidation a reason why Hitler consolidated power?
The Nazis attempted to control people through terror. Hitler set up a police state in order to remove all opposition.
What was the enforcement of terror carried out by?
The SS (English: Protection Squad)
Who ran the SS?
Heinrich Himmler
Who of the SS ran the concentration camps?
The Death’s Head units
What was linked with the SS?
The GESTAPO (The Secret State Police)
Who ran the GESTAPO?
Reinhard Heydrich
What was the job of the GESTAPO?
Its job was to search out opponents of the Nazi government, using ‘informers’ including thousands of civilians.
What happened to suspects?
They were sent to concentration camps under ‘protective security’
What were the camps?
They were harsh places, brutal treatment and many prisoners died in these camps
What happened to the courts?
They were brought under Nazi control
What were judges replaced by?
Nazi supporters
What happened in 1934?
Hitler set up the People’s Court
What was the job of the People’s Court?
To try ‘enemies of the state’
What had happened by 1939?
The People’s Court had sentenced over 500 people to death and sent many others to concentration camps
How was the Reichstag Fire a reason why Hitler consolidated power?
Because Hitler claimed that they were facing a ‘communist revolution’ which led to not only the banning of the communists from the Reichstag but also Hitler could then use the Enabling Act
How was the Enabling Act a reason why Hitler consolidated power?
In March 1933. The Reichstag decided Hitler would be able to pass laws without Reichstag for 4 years.
How was the Banning of all other parties from the Reichstag a reason why Hitler consolidated power?
Because Germany could then become a ‘One Party State’ and Hitler would face no opposition (or very little)
What parties were banned?
Communist Party
Social Democrat Party
All other political parties dissolved themselves in the following weeks
What law was passed in July 1933?
A law prohibiting all other political parties other than the Nazi Party
How was Propaganda a reason why Hitler consolidate power?
It was essential to get across the Nazi Party message
Who was Josef Goebbles?
Minister for People’s Enlightenment and Propaganda
What did he control?
Radio, Newspapers, Film and all the press to get the Nazi message across and prevent other view being seen
